Leeds Rhinos have enjoyed a soaring 2026 campaign, yet they head into the Super League semi‑finals after what many would describe as their most uneven stretch of form. The season’s climax saw Leeds suffer a heavy defeat at the hands of Wigan Warriors, a loss that effectively handed the League Leaders' Shield to their rivals.
The disappointment was compounded by a lacklustre performance against Hull FC in the final round, leaving the Rhinos on the back foot. Those twin defeats meant Leeds finished the regular season with two consecutive losses, slipping to second place despite having occupied the top spot for the majority of the campaign. Nevertheless, the team now enjoys a brief respite – a week to regroup, recover and sharpen their focus before they travel to face Warrington Wolves in the semi‑final, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports on Friday, 25 October, with kick‑off scheduled for 8 p.m.
A key issue that Leeds hopes to have resolved by then is how to adjust their back‑line after the loss of star fullback Lachie Miller. Miller’s season was abruptly ended when a hamstring injury forced him off during the clash with Wigan. In response, head coach Brad Arthur has reshuffled the back‑line, moving in‑form centre Ash Handley into the fullback position, joining Brodie Croft and Jake Connor to form a new defensive trio.
Miller, speaking to Sky Sports from his recovery zone, expressed unwavering confidence in his teammates. "I’m alright, I’ve had a few days to myself," he said. He acknowledged the harsh reality of rugby league – a sport where injuries are inevitable – and admitted the timing of his setback was far from ideal.
"It’s one of those things. It’s a tough sport we play and everyone has been through it at some stage; it just wasn’t great timing," Miller explained.
He quickly shifted his attention back to the squad. "I have just got to move my focus to the team and what they need," he added.
Miller praised Handley’s versatility, noting that the winger-turned-centre had already proven himself as one of the competition’s top players in both roles. "The beauty of Ash is he is just 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 asserted. Miller’s optimism extended to the upcoming semi‑final.
"I have no doubt. We have been really good all year at home except for the last couple of games. I have no doubt that 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 that they can," he declared.
Handley, who will take on the fullback role for only the second time this season in the semi‑final, recognized the magnitude of the challenge but embraced it for the benefit of the team. "It’s a big change, obviously I haven’t played there for years," he told Sky Sports.
"I will take on the challenge. Brad thinks this is what is going to be best for the group and I will never turn around and say I am not doing it." He reflected on the pressure he faced when he shifted from wing to centre, and now again to fullback. "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 everybody in each position, I just need to go out and execute it," Handley affirmed. The semi‑final schedule is set: Leeds Rhinos will meet Warrington Wolves on Friday, 25 September at 8 p.m. on Sky Sports, while the second semi‑final pits Wigan Warriors against Wakefield Trinity at 5:30 p.m.
on Saturday, 26 September. Earlier in the week, Wakefield Trinity defeated Leigh Leopards 26‑16 on Friday, 18 September, and Warrington Wolves routed Hull KR 35‑12 on Saturday, 19 September. Leeds’ journey to the Grand Final will hinge on how quickly the team can adapt to Miller’s absence and how effectively Handley can fill the fullback role.
The Rhinos have shown resilience throughout the season, and their home record—aside from the recent slip‑ups—has been impressive. If they can translate that consistency into the high‑stakes environment of the playoffs, they stand a strong chance of reaching Old Trafford for the Grand Final on 3 October. The Super League play‑offs are now in full swing, with live coverage on Sky Sports continuing through to the climactic Grand Final at Old Trafford.
Leeds supporters will be watching closely, hoping that the team’s depth, tactical flexibility, and the confidence expressed by both Miller and Handley will propel them across the finish line and onto the biggest stage of the season.