Leeds returned to the top of the Betfred Super League with a convincing 34-6 victory at St Helens on Friday. The Rhinos scored six tries in a dominant display at the Brewdog Stadium that halted Saints' recent resurgence and left the Merseysiders outside the play-off places with two games remaining. Chris Hankinson gave Brad Arthur's side an early lead before two tries in quick succession from Cameron Smith and Harry Newman put them in complete control late in the first half.
Further touchdowns by Ryan Hall, Ash Handley and Brodie Croft wrapped up a comprehensive win while the influential Jake Connor landed five conversions. It was a strong response by the Rhinos after Wigan crushed champions Hull KR to move ahead of them on Thursday night. They controlled the game from the outset, frustrating Saints after interim coach Eamon O'Carroll had overseen back-to-back wins to revive their hopes of forcing their way into the top six.
Leeds' early pressure paid off after seven minutes when Connor sent Hankinson over for the opening try with a cleverly delayed pass. Cooper Jenkins thought he had extended the Rhinos' lead soon after, but his effort was ruled out for a knock-on in the build-up. Saints gradually began to get into the game but Deon Cross was twice denied out wide, firstly by the Leeds defence and then by the referee after a looping pass from Tristan Sailor was ruled forward.
The hosts were reduced to 12 men when Daniel Suluka-Fifita was sinbinned for a late tackle on Presley Cassell, who had to leave the field for a head injury assessment, which he passed. Leeds pushed again and Jack Bird went close to grounding a bouncing ball before Smith broke through the defence for a superb individual try. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player The visitors added their third just before the interval as Newman finished off a sweeping move in the corner.
The Rhinos thought they had extended the lead further when Tom Holroyd crashed over soon after the restart but the video referee ruled the ball was not grounded. It proved only a brief respite for Saints as Bird released Hall with a brilliant flick out of the back of his hand and the veteran winger slid over. Saints finally registered as Jack Welsby broke clear from a Jonny Lomax pass and evaded a last-ditch tackle by Lachie Miller to score, with Sailor converting, but normal service was soon resumed.
Connor put boot to ball to create two more tries, dabbing a delicate grubber for Handley to touch down and then deliberately drilling a kick against the post for Croft to gather and score. He converted both but failed to add to his tally late on when he hit the post from a penalty. Huddersfield earned a vital win towards the foot of the table as they beat Leigh 30-18.
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