Arabic version: ليدز راينوس يعود إلى صدارة السوبر ليغ

According to BBC News, Leeds Rhinos returned to the top of Super League on points difference after a comprehensive 34-6 victory away to St Helens. Their first win at Saints since March 2023 puts Leeds in position to claim their first League Leaders’ Shield in 11 years if they beat second-placed Wigan Warriors next Saturday.

Leeds led 18-0 at half-time after Chris Hankinson opened the scoring, Cameron Smith produced an individual try and Harry Newman finished a move created by Ash Handley. Jake Connor added the conversions, while Saints had chances denied by forward passes during a first half in which Daniel Suluka-Fifita was sin-binned for a hit on Presley Cassell off the ball.

After the break, Tom Holroyd had a try disallowed, but Leeds soon extended their advantage when Jack Bird’s backhanded offload sent Ryan Hall over for his 357th career try. Jack Welsby responded with a line break and a solo score for St Helens, but Leeds finished strongly. Handley collected a Connor grubber kick before Connor’s second kick, via the upright, reached Brodie Croft for his 28th Super League try of the season.

The defeat leaves St Helens two points below sixth-placed Hull KR with two matches remaining, damaging their hopes of reaching the play-offs. They must face Leigh and Hull KR in their final games. Leeds coach Brad Arthur praised his side’s control and defensive pride, while looking ahead to the meeting with Wigan, whom he described as a team that has been “at the top of their game for a long, long time.”