Leeds Rhinos returned to the top of the Super League table with a commanding 34-6 victory over St Helens, whose playoff hopes now hang by a thread. The Rhinos ran in six tries at the Totally Wicked Stadium, with Jake Connor again pulling the strings in a performance that underlined the contrasting fortunes of the league's two most successful clubs.
Leeds dominate from the start
Leeds took control early, moving into an 18-0 lead by half-time. Connor's inch-perfect pass set up Chris Hankinson for the opening try, and although St Helens survived a 10-minute period with Daniel Suluka-Fifita in the sin-bin, the hosts' resistance crumbled as half-time approached.
Cameron Smith produced a sublime solo effort to double Leeds' advantage, before Connor again provided the decisive pass for Harry Newman to score. St Helens needed to score first after the break, but their attacking play faltered at key moments, allowing Ryan Hall to cross for Leeds' fourth try and effectively end the contest.
St Helens' playoff hopes fade
Jack Welsby at least ensured St Helens did not fail to score on home soil, breaking from deep to touch down. However, the hosts knocked on from the following set, and Leeds capitalised when Connor's kick was grounded by captain Ash Handley.
Connor's boot then caused further havoc in the St Helens defence, allowing his half-back partner Brodie Croft to score his 28th try of the season and make it 34-6. By that point, many home supporters had already started to leave.
What's at stake in the final rounds
With two rounds remaining, Leeds can now look forward to what is effectively a decider for top spot against Wigan next Saturday. St Helens, in all probability, must win their last two games and win them well to stand any chance of making the playoffs.
This season has provided ample evidence that they are unlikely to do so, with the team's form over 80 minutes playing out to the pattern of the 2026 campaign as a whole. The Rhinos, meanwhile, are now firm favourites to finish the regular season on top and secure a bye through the opening week of the playoffs.
Connor, who was overlooked for last year's Ashes, continues to make a compelling case for inclusion in this autumn's World Cup squad. His influence was pivotal in Leeds' commanding win, and with the playoffs approaching, the Rhinos' season may just be beginning.
