Leeds Rhinos have enjoyed a remarkable season in 2026, soaring to the top of the Super League table for much of the campaign. Yet, as they head into the semi‑finals, they do so after what many analysts are calling their most uneven stretch of form in recent memory. The Rhinos’ late‑season slump began with a heavy defeat at the hands of Wigan Warriors, a loss that not only dented their confidence but also allowed the League Leaders' Shield to slip away.
The disappointment was compounded a week later when Leeds fell short against Hull FC in the final round of regular‑season play. Those back‑to‑back defeats meant that, despite spending the majority of the year in first place, the team finished the regular season in second spot. The silver lining is that Leeds now have a week to recover, regroup and refocus before they travel to face the Warrington Wolves in the semi‑final, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports on Friday, October 25, with kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m.
One of the biggest questions the coaching staff hoped to have resolved by then concerns the new lineup that will emerge after star fullback Lachie Miller was ruled out for the remainder of the season following a hamstring injury sustained during the clash with Wigan. Miller’s absence forces head coach Brad Arthur to reshuffle his backline, and he has chosen to move the in‑form centre Ash Handley into the fullback position, pairing him with Brodie Croft and Jake Connor to form a new defensive trio. Miller, speaking to Sky Sports from his rehabilitation centre, expressed unwavering belief in his teammates' ability to bounce back and push all the way to the Grand Final. "I’m okay, I’ve had a few days to myself," he said.
"It’s one of those things – a tough sport we play and everyone has been through it at some stage. It just wasn’t great timing for me. I have to shift my focus to the team and what they need." He went on to praise Handley’s versatility, noting that the player had excelled on the wing before moving to centre, and now could become one of the league’s top fullbacks if he stays in that role.
"The beauty of Ash is he’s a class player. On the wing he was one of the best wingers in the competition.
He moved to centre and is one of the best centres. He will probably now be one of the best fullbacks if he stays there," Miller added. "I have no doubt.
We have been really good all year at home except for the last couple of games. I have no doubt the boys will turn up.
They have to get up for one game, focus for one game, concentrate for one game, and I have no doubt they can." Handley, who will be wearing the fullback jersey for only the second time this season in the semi‑final, acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge but embraced it wholeheartedly for the benefit of the squad. "It’s a big change – obviously I haven’t played there for years," Handley told Sky Sports.
"I will take on the challenge. Brad thinks this is what’s best for the group and I will never turn around and say I’m not doing it." He reflected on the pressure he felt when he shifted from wing to centre earlier in the year, and how that experience has prepared him for the current task. "I had a lot of pressure on my shoulders when I moved from wing to centre.
I will give it my best shot. Brad is pretty clear about what he expects from everyone in each position – I just need to go out and execute it," Handley said. The semi‑final matchup pits Leeds against a determined Warrington side that has shown plenty of grit throughout the playoffs.
The Wolves earned their place by defeating Hull KR 35‑12 on September 19, while Leeds will be looking to rebound from their recent losses and prove they still have the fire that carried them through most of the season. The broader playoff schedule continues with Wigan Warriors taking on Wakefield Trinity on Saturday, September 26, at 5:30 p.m.
on Sky Sports. The winners of these two semi‑finals will advance to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3, a showcase event that crowns the Super League champion. Leeds Rhinos’ journey this season has been a study in contrasts – dominant performances that saw them lead the table for weeks, juxtaposed with a late‑season dip that cost them the top spot. The team’s resilience will be tested in the coming weeks as they navigate injuries, positional changes, and the pressure of knockout rugby league.
Coach Brad Arthur remains confident that his squad can adapt and thrive despite the setbacks. "We’ve built a culture of belief and hard work," he said in a recent press conference. "If we stick to our game plan, keep the basics right, and play with the intensity that has defined us all season, there’s no reason we can’t make it to the Grand Final." Fans, too, are rallying behind the Rhinos, filling social media with messages of support for both the injured Miller and the players stepping into new roles.
The atmosphere at Headingley is expected to be electric on semi‑final night, with supporters hoping that the team’s home‑ground advantage will provide the extra edge needed to overcome Warrington. In summary, while the Rhinos have faced a challenging end to their regular season, the combination of experienced leadership, versatile talent like Handley, and the unwavering confidence expressed by Miller suggests they possess the ingredients required to push through the semi‑final hurdle. If they can harness that belief, maintain discipline in defense, and execute their attacking structures, Leeds will have a genuine shot at securing a place in the Grand Final and contending for the championship title.