The Rhinos looked ominous from the start, pinning the home side back and stealing yards with expansive running rugby, yet handling errors let them down.
The breakthrough did come within 11 minutes when Croft threaded a super kick through the Giants backline for Newman to chase down for his ninth try of the season.
Huddersfield regrouped and replied with threat of their own in a sustained spell of territory and possession, with George Flanagan’s score ruled out for a forward pass from Joe Greenwood on his 100th appearance.
Yet Leeds’ improved defence held out, just, and the hosts’ growing frustration led to ill discipline which allowed Rhinos to edge into a two-score lead at the break.
Jack Billington’s shoulder charge on Connor earned the Rhinos a penalty which the stand-off picked himself up to slot through. And moments later an off-the-ball challenge from Woolford allowed Connor to split the posts from 40 metres.
Giants had to soak up more early pressure as the second half followed a similar pattern, with Leeds battering away while struggling to turn territory and possession into points.
Fiercely committed defence kept home hopes alive, and the Rhinos needed a stroke of luck to extend the lead when Gannon scooped up a poor Miller pass to burst through the middle and cross.
Sam Lisone dragged three Giants over the line but was ruled held up as the visitors looked to add deserved gloss to the scoreline.
A little flair and sublime vision from Miller did just that, collecting his own chip kick to send the supporting Croft away to slide over before Oledzki powered through for a last-gasp score.
