Leeds go back top with thumping win at St Helens

Betfred Super League

St Helens (0) 6

Tries: Welsby Goals: Sailor

Leeds (18) 34

Tries: Hankinson, Smith, Newman, Hall, Handley, Croft Goals: Connor 5

Leeds Rhinos moved back to the top of Super League on points difference with a rare and comprehensive away win at St Helens.

The Rhinos' first win at Saints since March 2023 means they will secure their first League Leaders' Shield for 11 years if they beat second-placed Wigan in a decider for the trophy next Saturday.

Cameron Smith scored the pick of the Rhinos' six tries on the night with a stunning individual effort as they raced into a commanding 18-point lead at the break.

Defeat for St Helens signals a damaging blow to their hopes of making this season's play-offs, failing to capitalise on Hull KR's heavy defeat last night by Wigan, staying two points below the sixth-placed Robins with two games remaining.

After an impeccably observed minute's silence in honour of the late Sir Billy Boston by everyone inside the Brewdog Stadium, an incisive dash and short ball from Jake Connor allowed Chris Hankinson to crash over from close range to break the deadlock.

Leeds momentarily thought they had scored a second try in two minutes as Cooper Jenkins went over under the sticks but Brodie Croft was penalised for a forward pass when attempting to knock the ball backwards.

While down to 12 men because of Daniel Suluka-Fifita's hit on Presley Cassell off the ball, Saints thought they were over but Tristan Sailor's lofted pass to Deon Cross was spotted to be forward as the winger dived in at the left corner.

Second-rower Smith then broke a tackle from Suluka-Fifita, back on the field, and gave the Saints backline a clean set of heels before getting down low to finish off an outstanding individual score.

The match was effectively taken away from Saints when slick hands from Connor set up Ash Handley who in turn found Harry Newman to dive over unopposed as Connor slotted the extras to give Leeds an 18-point lead at the break.

Tom Holroyd had a try disallowed a minute after half-time, unable to ground the ball before knocking on under pressure from Saints full-back Sailor.

Leeds did get their fourth try soon after though when Jack Bird's beautiful backhanded offload freed up Ryan Hall to dot down his 357th career try.

Saints were on the board when Jack Welsby's line break saw him race clear of Leeds' midfield and full-back Lachie Miller for the match's second excellent individual try.

But that proved to be just brief respite as Handley got on the scoresheet, latching on to a grubber kick from Connor, and another grubber from Connor found his half-back partner Croft, via the upright, for his 28th Super League try of the season.

Connor missed a penalty late on, striking the post, but his kicking game continues to impress with Leeds looking strong going into the upcoming play-offs.

Saints, meanwhile, will have to beat Leigh and Hull KR in their final two matches if they are to avoid missing out on the Super League play-offs for the first time.

Leeds Rhinos coach Brad Arthur told BBC Radio Leeds:

"I thought both our starts to the first half and the second half were pretty good. We did it with a good control.

"We had to stay composed and that was a good test for us. We had players all over the shop the last 15 minutes but they still had a pride in their defence which has been a bit questionable at times this season.

"If we can withstand the pressure for three, four sets, which we're going to have to do against Wigan next week, it can take a bit of confidence out of your opposition.

"We're up against a really good team who have been at the top of their game for a long, long time. So we're excited, we've done the work, now we've got to be confident."

St Helens: Sailor; Douglas, MacDonald, Welsby, Cross; Robertson, Lomax; Suluka-Fifita, Shorrocks, Klemmer, Davies, Wright, Host.

Interchanges: Walmsley, Humphreys, Keeley, Evans.

Sin-bin: Suluka-Fifita (15 mins)

Leeds: Miller; Hall, Bird, Handley, Newman; Croft, Connor; Oledzki, O'Connor, Jenkins, Watkins, Hankinson, Cassell.

Interchanges: Holroyd, Smith, Levi, Lodge.

Referee: Marcus Griffiths.