Leeds re‑asserted their dominance in the Betfred Super League with a commanding 34‑6 win over St Helens at the Brewdog Stadium on Friday night. The Rhinos crossed the line six times, delivering a performance that not only halted the Saints' recent surge but also pushed the Merseysiders out of the playoff picture with only two rounds left in the regular season. The match opened with Leeds applying relentless pressure, and after just seven minutes, Jake Connor’s cleverly delayed pass set up Chris Hankinson for the opening try.
That early strike gave Brad Arthur’s side a psychological edge and forced the visitors onto the back foot. Momentum quickly shifted in Leeds’ favour when Cameron Smith and Harry Newman each added a try in rapid succession before the halftime whistle, establishing a comfortable lead and effectively dictating the tempo of the game. Leeds continued to pile on the points after the break. Veteran winger Ryan Hall showcased his experience with a well‑timed finish, while Ash Handley and Brodie Croft completed the scoring barrage, each touching down to seal a comprehensive victory.
Connor proved instrumental with the boot, converting five of the six tries and keeping the scoreboard ticking over. His accuracy also meant Leeds never allowed St Helens any chance to close the gap, even when the Saints managed a solitary try through Jack Welsby late in the second half. The win was a strong answer to the previous weekend’s drama, when Wigan thrashed champions Hull KR, allowing Leeds to leapfrog them in the standings.
It also underscored Leeds’ intent to control the league from the outset of the season, a stark contrast to the Saints, who had briefly revived their playoff hopes under interim coach Eamon O'Carroll with back‑to‑back victories earlier in the campaign. St Helens attempted to mount a comeback, but several key moments went against them.
Cooper Jenkins thought he had extended the Rhinos’ lead, only to see his effort ruled out for a knock‑on in the build‑up. Later, Deon Cross saw two potential tries denied – first by a solid Leeds defensive line, then by the referee after a looping pass from Tristan Sailor was adjudicated as forward. The Saints also suffered a temporary numerical disadvantage when Daniel Suluka‑Fifita was sin‑binned for a late tackle on Presley Cassell, who later passed a head injury assessment and returned to the field. Leeds’ attacking flair was on full display throughout the encounter.
Jack Bird came close to scoring early, but it was Cameron Smith who broke through the Saints’ defence for a spectacular solo try, illustrating the Rhinos’ ability to create opportunities from individual brilliance. Just before the interval, Harry Newman capped a sweeping move in the corner, further extending Leeds’ lead.
The second half saw a brief moment of controversy when Tom Holroyd appeared to ground the ball for a try, only for the video referee to rule that the ball had not been properly secured. The decision was a relief for St Helens, but it did little to change the overall narrative. Leeds responded instantly: Bird delivered a deft flick pass that set up veteran winger Ryan Hall, who slid over for his own try, adding to the mounting scoreboard.
St Helens did manage a consolation score when Jack Welsby broke free from a Jonny Lomax pass, evading a last‑ditch tackle by Lachie Miller and touching down, with Sailor converting. However, Leeds quickly resumed their dominance.
Connor’s boot work created two more opportunities: a delicate grubber kick that Ash Handley gathered for a try, followed by a purposeful kick aimed at the post that allowed Brodie Croft to collect the rebound and score. Connor converted both, though his attempt at a late penalty struck the post. Beyond the headline fixture, the round featured several other notable matches. Huddersfield secured a vital win at the lower end of the table, beating Leigh 30‑18.
Cole Geyer shone for the Giants, scoring twice as they amassed five tries to climb to 14 points, edging out second‑bottom York. Leigh’s Owen Trout opened the scoring early, but the Giants responded through Harry Rushton and Taane Milne to claim a 14‑6 halftime lead.
After the break, Niall Evalds added another try for Huddersfield, while Leigh’s Umyla Hanley pulled one back before Geyer’s second try sealed the victory. In another dramatic encounter, the Catalans Dragons faced Castleford at the Tigers’ historic ground.
The game was interrupted for 35 minutes in the second half due to a power outage, but when play resumed the Dragons dominated, eventually winning 34‑6. Toby Sexton was instrumental, scoring two tries, while Edenn Rogers‑Smith, Leo Darrelatour, Ben Condon and Lewis Dodd also crossed the line. Castleford, marking the centenary of their first match, were left with a solitary try from Lazarus Vaalepu, making the night a disappointing one for the home side. Overall, Leeds’ resounding victory not only restored them to the top of the Super League table but also sent a clear message to their rivals: the Rhinos are back in form and intent on defending their title.
With only two games remaining, the battle for the playoff spots intensifies, and Leeds will look to maintain their momentum while other clubs scramble to keep their own aspirations alive. Sky Sports continues to broadcast every Super League game live this season, offering fans comprehensive coverage of the drama unfolding across the league.