Leeds Rhinos absolutely dominated St Helens with a 34-6 victory on Friday, a win so big it shot them right back to the top of the Super League table on points difference. This wasn’t just any win, either; it was their first away triumph at Saints since way back in March 2023, and it has set up a massive decider next Saturday for the League Leaders’ Shield. Get ready, because if they beat second-placed Wigan, that Shield is theirs for the first time in 11 years.
Rhinos Go OFF, Saints Scramble for Answers
Man, Leeds came out swinging after an impeccably observed minute’s silence for Sir Billy Boston. Chris Hankinson got things going, crashing over from close range thanks to a slick dash and short ball from Jake Connor to break the deadlock. They thought they had a second score moments later, but Cooper Jenkins’ try was disallowed after a forward pass call on Brodie Croft. Even when Daniel Suluka-Fifita got sin-binned for an off-the-ball hit, Saints couldn’t capitalize, with their own try denied for a forward pass. Then came the play of the night: second-rower Cameron Smith broke a tackle from Suluka-Fifita, who was back on the field, and absolutely roasted the Saints backline for a stunning individual try. Before you could blink, slick hands from Connor set up Ash Handley, who found Harry Newman for an unopposed dive over. Connor slotted the extras, and just like that, Leeds was up 18-0 at the break. What a half!
St Helens’ Playoff Hopes Take a Massive Hit
You gotta feel for St Helens fans right now. This defeat is a damaging blow to their playoff aspirations, especially after Hull KR’s heavy loss last night. They’re still two points below the sixth-placed Robins with only two games left. They did manage to get on the board when Jack Welsby tore through the Leeds midfield and fullback Lachie Miller for an excellent individual try. But it was just a brief moment of hope. Tom Holroyd had a try disallowed for Leeds right after halftime, but the Rhinos kept pouring it on. Jack Bird’s beautiful backhanded offload set up Ryan Hall for his whopping 357th career try. Then Handley got one, latching onto a grubber from Connor, and Croft grabbed his 28th Super League try of the season from another Connor grubber that kissed the upright. Talk about a relentless attack!
Jake Connor even missed a late kick, striking the post, but his kicking game continues to impress. Leeds is looking seriously strong heading into the upcoming playoffs. Saints, though, they’ve got a tough road ahead. They *have* to beat Leigh and Hull KR in their final two matches if they want to avoid missing the Super League playoffs for the first time ever. Next Saturday is gonna be electric!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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