St Helens and Leeds Rhinos are now level at the summit of the Super League after the Saints secured an 18‑12 triumph over Wakefield Trinity on Saturday at their home ground. The match began with the home side asserting dominance throughout the first half. Although a try by Owen Dagnall in the fifth minute was later overturned after a video review, the Saints soon found the back of the net when Dagnall himself set up Jake Davies, who powered over for a score twelve minutes into the game.
Just six minutes after that, Jonny Lomax delivered a precise pass to Kyle Feldt, enabling him to cross the line and extend the lead. By halftime, the scoreboard read 16‑0 in favour of St Helens, a margin built not only on the two tries but also on an opportunistic interception by Harry Robertson that allowed Tristan Sailor to touch down. The first half therefore showcased a blend of structured attacking play and capitalising on the opposition’s errors.
The second half, however, proved more competitive. Wakefield managed to get on the board in the 55th minute after a Saints knock‑on gave them a second‑chance opportunity, which Tyson Smoothy seized to narrow the gap. The Saints responded swiftly; Jackson Hastings slotted a penalty kick just before the hour mark, adding two points and restoring a comfortable cushion.
That buffer proved crucial when Caius Faatili, after receiving a well‑timed pass from Jake Trueman, darted over untouched for another try, pushing the final tally to 18‑12. Following the match, St Helens head coach Paul Rowley spoke to Sky Sports, acknowledging that the performance was far from flawless. He highlighted the confidence of the Wakefield side, noting that they had specifically targeted this fixture and presented a defensive challenge that sometimes left the Saints looking disjointed.
Rowley admitted he was dissatisfied with the second‑half display, pointing out a few questionable forward passes that stemmed from nervousness in the team’s execution. In contrast, Wakefield’s coach Daryl Powell reflected on his squad’s effort, conceding that the first half featured a couple of lacklustre tries but praising the increased aggression in the latter stages.
He believed his players had shown resilience and that the narrow loss would be taken as a sign that they can compete fiercely in future contests. Elsewhere in the league, defending champions Hull Kingston Rovers delivered a commanding performance, with Mikey Lewis crossing the try‑line four times as the club surged back into the play‑off positions for the first time this season. The Bulls defeated Bradford 48‑12 at a bright, sun‑filled Odsal Stadium, a result that propelled them to fifth place and allowed them to overtake a struggling Wigan side, who had previously held an eight‑point lead early in the campaign.
Lewis’s try‑scoring exploits were complemented by an immaculate kicking display from Rhyse Martin, who successfully converted all eight of the team’s tries. Bradford, meanwhile, managed to salvage some consolation points through scores from Brandon Lewis and Greg Eden, but the overall narrative was one of a dominant Rovers side that capitalised on the Bulls’ injury‑hit lineup.
With eight regular starters unavailable, the Bradford squad appeared vulnerable, and the early onslaught from Hull KR – four tries in the opening thirty minutes – set the tone for the remainder of the match. The Super League continues to broadcast every game live this season, with Sky Sports offering exclusive coverage of two matches each round and providing highlights of the remaining fixtures across its platforms. Fans can also stay updated through the latest league table, the Bench podcast featuring Jenna and Jon, and customised sports notifications tailored to individual preferences.
Overall, St Helens’ narrow win over Wakefield not only secured them a share of the top spot but also highlighted areas for improvement as the season progresses. Their ability to maintain composure under pressure, combined with strategic adjustments suggested by coach Rowley, will be vital as they aim to stay ahead of Leeds and other contenders in the tightly contested league race.