The Super League seems to be becoming a one-horse race just eleven games into the new season, with Leeds Rhinos now heading the table by a comfortable six points. Their latest victory over nearest challengers St Helens confirmed their potency this campaign, as the match was already theirs for the taking by half-time after they had built up a convincing 22 point lead. Their star man on the day was teenager Ash Handley with a hat-trick of tries. Elsewhere there were wins for Widnes 46-16 against Castleford, Huddersfield 38-14 over Catalans and Wigan (match report below).
St Helens 16 Leeds Rhinos 41 (Half-time 6-28)
With England international winger Tom Briscoe out injured, Leeds' strong squad was still ably equipped by his deputy Handley stepping in to score three tries against the Saints at Langtree Park. He now has six tries for the season in as many matches. The home side may be reigning champions but they were second best in their tussle with Leeds, being outscored seven tries to three by the visitors. Besides Handley's treble, there were tries for Zak Hardaker, Danny McGuire, Liam Sutcliffe and Joel Moon. Saints replied with scores for Tommy Makinson and a brace for Jordan Turner. Kicking duties for the league leaders were shared between substitute Kevin Sinfield and Sutcliffe, as Leeds are clearly looking ahead to life without their influential captain 'King Kevin' next season when he switches codes to rugby union.
With just the one defeat and ten victories so far, Leeds seem determined to give both Sinfield and veteran Jamie Peacock a fitting send off as they depart for pastures new when this Super League campaign ends.
Wigan Warriors 30 Warrington Wolves 20 (Half-time 16-14)
Wigan have closed to within a point of their arch rivals Saints in third place, after overcoming Warrington last Thursday in a see-saw game where the lead changed hands several times. After a close first half which Wigan marginally had the better of to lead by two points at the interval, the home side ultimately stretched their advantage after the break to maintain their charge up the table. Among their six tries were three scores for Dom Manfredi, repeating his feat against Catalans last time out. In response the Wolves crossed the whitewash four times, including a brace for Chris Bridge, but came up just short in the final analysis at the DW Stadium. The game marked the return from a six-month suspension for Ben Flower after the ignominy of being sent off in last year's Grand Final. There was further cause for optimism for Wigan for the future, with the welcome news that Sam Tomkins is to return to the fold next season, after a spell in New Zealand in the NRL.