2 get 10/10, lots of 9s in Peter Smith's Leeds Rhinos player ratings from stunning 28-6 win v Hull KR

Coach Brad Arthur’s side produced very nearly a complete performance as league leaders Hull KR were comprehensively outplayed, 28-6, in front of a season’s-best 16,260 crowd at AMT Headingley on Thursday. For the second game running, a late try spoiled Leeds’ clean sheet, but there was nothing else for even the hardest-hearted Rhinos fan to complain about.

The home side played some outstanding rugby with the ball and their defence was sensational, under heavy pressure at times after the break. The win took them level on points with second-placed Wigan Warriors and virtually assured Leeds of a top-six spot. A home tie is now a realistic aim.

Hull KR lost prop Sauaso Sue in the opening moments and looked to be carrying a hangover from the previous week’s win at Wigan, but Rhinos didn’t let them play. There were impressive performances across the board, led by Lachie Miller who is the best full-back in Betfred Super League at the moment and keeps getting better.

With only two props in their 17 and an 18-year-old rookie starting in the front-row, Leeds needed Keenan Palasia to be at the top of his game and he delivered. What a signing the Samoan international has been. The pack as a unit were outstanding and on the back of that, halves Brodie Croft and consistent Jake Connor outplayed their counterparts from start to finish.

Things went Rhinos’ way from the 11th minute when they were successful with a captain’s challenge after Miller was penalised for an alleged tackle in the air on Arthur Mourgue. The video official overturned Jack Smith’s call, earning a chant of ‘there’s only one Chris Kendall’ from the South Stand. It was still the Robins’ possession, but Jez Litten’s forward pass turned it over midway in their half and, after some good ball movement, Connor dummied to kick, then sliced through for a wonderful solo try.

Leeds received a penalty in the next set; on the last, Connor gave the ball to Kallum Watkins, he grubbered against the left-hand post and the kick bounced to Presley Cassell. The teenager tapped it up with one hand, made the catch and touched down for his second try in as many games. He almost added another with a sensational run in the second half and Leeds’ decision last year to secure him on contract until the end of 2028 is looking a wise move.

Early in the second quarter, two penalties had Rovers camped on Leeds’ line, but a Ryan Hall interception and brilliant run by Harry Newman - who had his best game of the year so far - turned defence into attack. Croft slipped an outstanding pass to Miller and he went between two defenders and past a third for another terrific score. With Connor converting all three, Leeds led 18-0.

Hull KR threatened for a spell in the second half. Rhinos old boy Rhyse Martin had a touchdown ruled out on video evidence after an unnecessary pass behind his line by Newman, the same Leeds player made a remarkable try-saving tackle on Joe Burgess and Mikey Lewis was held up over the whitewash.

After all that, Leeds extended their lead through two Connor penalty goals either side of a converted try when another pin-point Croft pass sent Newman over. Tom Davies scored the Robins’ consolation with three minutes left, inevitably converted from the touchline by Martin, but that didn’t spoil a wonderful night for Rhinos.

Rhinos won the penalty count eight-four, after it was three-three at half-time. The Robins received two set restarts to Leeds’ one. In the curtain-raiser, Rhinos’ academy hammered Hull KR 64-0. Centre Oscar Brown scored four tries and winger Harley Thomas touched down twice and booted four goals. Winger Tom Richardson and stand-off George Brown also bagged a brace and other try scorers were second-row Jacob Stead and scrum-half Harry Smith. Loose-forward Zak Lloyd landed four conversions.

Rhinos: Miller, Hall, Handley, Newman, Hankinson, Croft, Connor, Palasia, O’Connor, Cassell, McDonnell, Gannon, Watkins. Subs Lisone, Bentley, Ackers, Littlewood.

Hull KR: Morgue, Davies, Hiku, Broadbent, Burgess, Lewis, May, Sue, Litten, Whitebread, Martin, Batchelor, Minchella. Subs Luckley, Tanginoa, Doro, Hadley.

Referee: Jack Smith (Wigan). Attendance: 16,260.