Lee Smith made a dream ­return to Leeds with two tries as the champions came off the ropes to grab a draw.

The England winger, back from a short spell in rugby union, sparkled after Leeds had looked dead and buried.

The Bulls, inspired by Aussie duo Matt Orford and Brett Kearney, looked set to win even after a Brett ­Delaney score had closed the gap to 10 points.

Chris Nero stunned the Leeds faithful with a 4th minute try from Orford’s short pass and the scrum-half added the points.

And they extended their lead seven ­minutes later with a well-taken try by Dave Halley.

Leeds were short on confidence and turning over too much ball, with the Bulls defence looking well-organised.

Orford landed a 23rd penalty after Brent Webb failed to play the ball ­properly. And it got worse for Leeds two minutes later when Steve Menzies went in for a third Bulls try after Ryan Hall had lost possession.

Bradford were inches away from two more tries but were guilty of forcing the pass and Leeds hit back with Smith’s try in the corner from Maguire’s long pass on 33 minutes. Sinfield added a touchline goal.

Leeds put the Bulls under immediate pressure after the break but Maguire came up with a knock-on.

And Bradford came close to a fourth try but video referee James Child ruled that Webb had defused an Orford kick when the Bulls fans thought Halley had touched down.

Kearney then spilled a Sinfield kick to give Leeds a scoring opportunity but Brett Delaney lost the ball on the next play.

But Bradford still looked the better team and Nero grabbed his second when he powered over on the left from Orford’s pass on 53 minutes.

Orford failed with the conversion – his third miss of the night – but Leeds were in desperate need on inspiration.

Brilliant Bulls defence forced Keith ­Senior to lose possession as he went for the line.

Leeds hooker Danny Buderus was sin-binned for holding down the ­outstanding Kearney as the Rhinos scrapped.

But Delaney gave them hope with a try 12 minutes from time set up by busy Webb.

Sinfield spun over for ­another touchdown eight minutes from time – and that set up Smith’s late ­leveller .