Under Brad Arthur, Leeds Rhinos have shown glimpses of being the force they once were. They have shown glimpses of being a side in contention for trophies once again. However, Wigan reminded them on Friday that there is a difference between having signs of being a trophy team and consistently being one.
If there has been one criticism levelled at Arthur during his time at the Rhinos it has been that, in the big games, their star players do not step up and they falter. Last year, they fell to St Helens in the play-offs when they were the clear favourites. Who can forget 'Left to Wright'.
They went out early in the Challenge Cup to Wakefield Trinity. They were dominated by Wigan on a night when they could have got one hand on their first piece of silverware in 15 years. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Wigan now need one win, in Round 27 against Catalans, to make it two trophies out of two in 2026.
Of course, Leeds are not yet mathematically out of the League Leaders' Shield race. If Wigan lose and they win in the final round, their points difference should see them over the line. If Wigan stand firm though and extend their trophy cabinet, there is one opportunity left for the Rhinos in 2026.
It would mean the Rhinos, despite being in top spot for 15 weeks in a row, would only have the Grand Final left as an opportunity to claim silverware. To win that, they still need to win a semi-final and then the big dance. What happened on Saturday night is simple: One is a champion team.
The other is trying to become one. It was another big occasion that Leeds Rhinos let slip and for head coach Arthur, he said they simply "let the club down" on the night. "We are disappointed, we did not put our best foot forward tonight," Arthur said.
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