Brian McDermott has admitted his relief as his make-shift Leeds Rhinos team won 36-22 at Hull FC.
With the Challenge Cup final against Hull KR only a week away, McDermott rested Danny McGuire and Kallum Watkins, and refused to risk Adam Cuthbertson, Brett Delaney and Joel Moon, who are all carrying injuries.
"It was certainly a tough one, we had to tough it out," the coach told reporters.
"Hull had a huge go, as did we. Had we lost, I would not have been moaning about anything.
"I thought it was a very good game. It was a real test of mental toughness."
The win, Leeds's sixth consecutive success, leaves the Rhinos top of the Super 8s, four points ahead of nearest rivals Wigan Warriors.
