There are some Leeds supporters already casting an eye to next season but on the basis of the past few weeks, that may be somewhat premature. The eight-time Super League champions looked anything like play-off contenders a month ago but now sit only one point adrift of the top six after a third win in four games.
This was undoubtedly their most impressive victory of the season, let alone this encouraging run of form which has hauled them back into play-off contention. Rohan Smith’s team dismantled a Wigan side whose hopes of the treble took a significant hit and who will be six points shy of the league leaders, St Helens, with seven games left if the reigning champions win at Wakefield on Sunday.
But this was very much a night about the development of Leeds under Smith. He has steadily improved a youthful side since arriving in April and while the appointment was seen as a long-term one, there could still be short-term success to come. If they maintain this form in the final few weeks of the regular season, a place in the playoffs will be more likely than not – and anything can happen after that.
“A lot of stuff we’ve been working on for a period of time all came to plan,” said Smith. “In terms of the playoffs, we’re just taking each game as it comes: we’re off to Catalans next week.”
In truth, this contest was all but over by half-time. Leeds were 24-6 ahead and in complete control. Any remaining doubts were ended when they scored the first try of the second half through the outstanding Harry Newman.
Matt Peet’s side could have few complaints. “We were a different side and we came up against a team that beat us to the punch in all aspects,” the Wigan coach said. “Credit goes to Leeds for the way they defended, teams make mistakes when they get pressured. Leeds went for it and got what they deserved. Leeds looked a very connected team. I always thought they had it in them. The League Leaders’ Shield is probably beyond us now.”
His side were out of contention by half-time. Tries from Liam Sutcliffe and James Bentley gave the Rhinos an early 12-0 lead and while Bevan French got one back to half the deficit, Leeds stepped things up a gear thereafter.
There were two more tries for the hosts as half-time approached, the first coming when Jarrod O’Connor’s crisp pass from dummy-half sent Rhyse Martin across. O’Connor was then involved again as Cameron Smith barged over some unusually tame Wigan defending for their fourth of the evening.
One felt the first try after the interval would be decisive, and when Newman scored it after Ash Handley’s scintillating break downfield, the game was beyond a Warriors side who were peculiarly flat given the impact Peet has had in his first season in charge.
They did cross for a second try when French’s kick was grounded by Jake Bibby, but any hopes of a remarkable comeback were quickly killed off by Leeds as the game entered the final quarter. In truth, it would have been unfair on them had the scoreline been even remotely close and Brad Dwyer’s superb solo try ensured that would not be the case, before Muizz Mustapha forced his way over from close-range.
