'Almost perfect': Leeds Rhinos fans stunned by win at Warrington Wolves, predict emotional night v Hull KR

First in the table beating second isn’t a shock, but even their most ardent supporters were surprised by how comprehensively Leeds Rhinos dismantled title rivals Warrington Wolves.

The 34-6 away win lifted Rhinos two points clear at the top of Betfred Super League and set up another huge game this week, at home to third-placed Hull KR. The annual motor neurone disease (MND) awareness game is set to be an emotional night as Rhinos pay tribute to fallen hero Rob Burrow. Here, the Yorkshire Evening Post fans’ jury look back on last week’s game and ahead to Friday’s AMT Headingley return.

KATIE MARCZYNSKI

An almost perfect performance against fellow title contenders and a solid away win sends a clear message to any doubters. I must admit, I wasn't quite expecting that scoreline and I thought Warrington were pretty poor - they didn't look like a top-six side, let alone top-two.

Jake Connor yet again controlled the show and Lachie Miller was a welcome return. A special mention to Harry Newman who was also very good and whose attitude has been excellent since his loan spell at Hull.

Thursday's result gives me plenty of confidence heading into our remaining fixtures. Of the 12 games left to play, eight are against teams currently outside of the top-six.

The biggest tests will be Wakefield away and Wigan at home, but other than that there's no reason why we won't be in contention for top spot come September.

Friday's visit of Hull KR is less about the game itself and more about rugby league coming together once again to honour Rob Burrow and the wider MND community. I'm sure the club will pull out all the stops and it will be a cracking atmosphere and a night to remember, whatever the result.

TOM GOLDSWORTHY

In what could prove to be a monumental win, Leeds put on a show as we stormed past Warrington and pulled ourselves clear at the top of the table. The Rhinos did well to handle some early Wolves pressure and the key moment of the game was us scoring two tries back-to-back which took away of all our hosts' momentum.

One of the main differences in the Rhinos team from 2025 to this season is how much more clinical and ruthless we have become. While Warrington were not at their best, I feel like the Leeds team of yesteryear would have allowed them to get back into the game and keep the pressure on.

To watch us this season score tries for fun and fully finish teams off is pleasing to see. It massively helps we have Maika Sivo on the wing, who scored yet another hat-trick against Warrington. The man is a try-scoring phenomenon and I would not be surprised to see him break the record for tries scored in a season.

The feeling around the club at the moment is something we haven't had in years. There is a real positivity and confidence we are going to beat teams and actually challenge for silverware. I have been in some miserable away ends in recent years, but it all felt worth it on Thursday night.

I have mentioned this before, but I believe this is all down to Brad Arthur. He has completely turned the club around, got rid of the dead wood, changed the culture and I cannot wait to see where he takes us. Brodie Croft must be seriously questioning his decision to join Warrington from 2027 after that win.

The challenge for Leeds now is to carry this form on and actually win a trophy. It feels like the only team that can stop us achieving this is ourselves.

Finding that consistency is key and our next game, against Hull KR, will be another tough test for us. I imagine they won't be as bad as they were in Vegas, but with the form we are in, I cannot see past a home victory.

BECKY OXLEY

Given it was the top two teams in the league, both known for their strong offence and defence, I anticipated an exciting match. On paper it seemed likely to be a closely contested game that would go down to the wire.

For the first 70 minutes we were outstanding. While I could highlight numerous players for their individual contributions, I believe the overall team performance deserves significant recognition.

In crucial matches it’s acceptable to have standout players, but if they are performing alone while the rest of the team falters, success is unlikely. If I had to choose one player who particularly impressed me it would be Chris Hankinson. He consistently fulfills his role week after week, playing in various positions and I believe he has made remarkable strides this season.

What is particularly exciting is that Brad Arthur often mentions there is still room for improvement. To me, our performance was nearly perfect and I am eager to see what he aims to achieve with us. The players’ commitment to this vision reflects their passion for the club.

Next up is Hull KR and I am both excited and curious to see how we will perform. Given our current form, I am ready for another victory for the Rhinos.

DAVID MUHL

Last week was the third time I’ve travelled across the Pennines this year and after watching us lose at Leigh and Wigan it was nice to come away with a win. And what a win it was.

Brad Arthur said afterwards on Sky he was disappointed with the last six-eight minutes and we didn’t execute the plan. I know it’s his job to improve the team every week, but beating one of the top teams on their patch is an excellent performance.

I think, other than Vegas, it was our best performance this year and if we continue in this way it will take a very good team to beat us. There were excellent performances across the park.

The freak that is Maika Sivo took the headlines, scoring yet another hat-trick and he could have had five. Although young Fergie McCormack did an excellent job covering in his absence, Lachie Miller is a different class. The way he links with Brodie Croft and Jake Connor is just sublime.

Harry Newman's spell on loan has done the job and he has come back a better, less petulant player. In attack he’s great, but his defence still needs some work.

A special mention must go to Cooper Jenkins. He was brilliant doing the hard yards. I think he’s the most improved player this year.

I’ve run out of superlatives to use for Jake Connor; this was yet another 10 out of 10 performance. He controls the game with his skill and he’s also a very good goal kicker. Let’s just hope we can keep him fit and well.

This week is a big game next for several reasons. Hull KR will be seeking revenge for Las Vegas, but having watched their last few games I think we should be able to handle them. It’s the MND awareness game which is always an emotional day and one where rugby league can get behind the MND community and remember the great Rob Burrow. I can’t wait.

IAIN SHARP

It was a potentially tricky away day to Warrington who were second in the league table, but Wire flatter to deceive. They look half-decent on paper until meeting someone truly good - like Leeds are at the moment - and frankly, their problem isn’t solved by throwing money at it. They need someone to bring it all together - like a Brad Arthur, who I am delighted recently extended his stay for a further two years - to exceed the sum of the parts.

Leeds, on the other hand, are looking great. A miserable penalty goal was all we heard from Warrington for 70 minutes and in that time it was all Leeds. The suggestion, which came out post game, that Maika Sivo isn’t fully fit is a scary one after he chalked up another hat-trick and made it look easy. It reminds me of when Jonah Lomu came up against the England rugby union side.

To be considered contenders, you need to win the big games and it’s another biggie this week with the visit of Hull KR.