Leeds Rhinos have enjoyed a spectacular season in 2026, yet they head into the Super League semi‑finals after what could be described as their most uneven spell of form. The campaign concluded with a heavy defeat at the hands of Wigan Warriors, a loss that effectively handed the League Leaders' Shield to another club. That setback was quickly followed by another disappointing performance against Hull FC in the final round, leaving Leeds with back‑to‑back defeats and a second‑place finish despite having led the table for most of the year.
The silver lining is that the Rhinos now have a week to recover, regroup and sharpen their focus before they travel to face Warrington Wolves in the semi‑final, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports on Friday, 25 October, with kick‑off scheduled for 8 p.m. The extra time off the field gives the coaching staff an opportunity to sort out the new lineup necessitated by the loss of their star fullback, Lachie Miller, who suffered a hamstring injury in the clash with Wigan and has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Head coach Brad Arthur has responded by reshuffling the back‑line, moving the in‑form centre Ash Handley into the fullback role to partner with Brodie Croft and Jake Connor. Miller, speaking to Sky Sports from his recovery zone, expressed unwavering belief that his teammates will rally and push all the way to the Grand Final. "I’m alright, I’ve had a couple of days to myself," he said. "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 for me." Miller emphasized that his focus now shifts entirely to the team’s needs. He praised Handley’s versatility, noting that the winger‑turned‑centre has already proven himself as one of the competition’s top players in both positions and could become an elite fullback if he stays there. "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 said. "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." Handley, who will be donning the fullback jersey for only the second time this season in the semi‑final, acknowledges the magnitude of the challenge but embraces it for the benefit of the squad. "It is a big change, obviously I have not played there for years," he told Sky Sports. "I will take on the challenge. Brad (Arthur) thinks that this is what is going to be best for the group and I will never turn around and say I am not doing it.
I had a lot of pressure on my shoulders when I moved from wing to centre. I will give it my best shot. He is pretty clear about what he expects from everybody in each position, I just need to go out and execute it." The Rhinos’ recent schedule has been packed. On Friday, 18 September, Wakefield Trinity edged out Leigh Leopards 26‑16.
The following day, Saturday, 19 September, Warrington Wolves dispatched Hull KR with a 35‑12 victory. The semi‑final showdown between Leeds and Warrington is set for Friday, 25 September at 8 p.m. on Sky Sports, while the other semi‑final pits Wigan Warriors against Wakefield Trinity on Saturday, 26 September at 5:30 p.m.
As the Super League playoffs progress, the excitement builds toward the Grand Final, which will be staged at Old Trafford on 3 October. Leeds fans will be hoping that the tactical gamble of moving Handley to fullback pays dividends, that the team can overcome the disappointment of Miller’s injury, and that the Rhinos can rediscover the form that saw them dominate the league for most of the season. With a week of rest, a clear game plan from Brad Arthur, and the confidence expressed by both Miller and Handley, Leeds appears poised to give Warrington a fierce contest and keep their Grand Final aspirations alive.