Wigan Warriors absolutely throttled Leeds Rhinos 40-8, seizing control of the Betfred Super League table and taking a massive stride towards lifting the League Leaders’ Shield. This wasn’t just a win, it was a statement delivered at a sold-out Headingley, vaulting the Warriors two points clear at the top and making them look utterly unstoppable.
Unstoppable Momentum: 14 Wins and Counting
This dominant performance marked Wigan’s 14th straight Super League win, an incredible run that makes you wonder if anyone can even slow them down. They’re not just winning, they’re cruising towards claiming their second piece of silverware of the year. Remember, the Rhinos had been sitting pretty at the top since May, chasing their first trophy since 2020 and their first Super League top finish since 2015. But Wigan has been a relentless presence in their rearview mirror, building this winning streak that started more than three months ago with a dismantling of Hull KR in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley. After a shaky spring, the Warriors are clearly back to their best, chasing a treble to add to the quadruple they secured just two years ago.
The tone was set early. Adam Keighran fired off two quick tries, putting Wigan firmly in command. Leeds’ Ash Handley managed to get his team on the scoreboard before the break, but it felt like a fleeting moment of resistance. Then, teenage winger Austin Daniel, scoring only his second Super League try, restored a crucial 10-point advantage. Fellow winger Liam Marshall crossed early in the second half, putting Wigan firmly in control and Leeds on their heels.
Rhinos Reeling: Injuries and Relentless Attack
Leeds definitely had a tough break early on when full-back Lachie Miller limped off with a hamstring injury, forcing a reshuffle. And like all great teams do, Wigan pounced on the opportunity. Sharp handling from Bevan French and Keighran got the ball to Daniel, who showed an incredible turn of pace down the wing before setting up Keighran for his first score. Oliver Partington had a try disallowed, but the Warriors were simply not to be denied. French then delivered a bullet pass, putting Keighran over again for his second try of the game.
The Rhinos tried to find a response, with captain Handley brilliantly catching and touching down a high kick from Connor, briefly bringing them back into the contest. But French, dipping into his box of tricks, threw a sensational pass that took out three defenders, giving Daniel a walk-in for another score. Even after Connor kicked a goal on the stroke of half-time to reduce the gap to eight points, the visitors immediately claimed the first score of the second half. Marshall’s trademark finish in the left corner was just the beginning. Further tries from star backs Bevan French and Jai Field, along with Keighran completing his hat-trick, absolutely hammered home why Wigan is the strong favorite to win the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October.
So, what’s next? Wigan travels home to face Catalans Dragons in their final regular season game, needing only to match Leeds’ result against Hull FC to snag that League Leaders’ Shield. This team is on a mission, chasing a treble, and if this performance is any indication, they are absolutely not slowing down. Old Trafford on 3 October for the Grand Final is looking like a date with destiny for the Warriors.
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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