Leeds Rhinos boss makes 'have to be at their best to beat us' point after stunning win at Warrington Wolves

Second-placed Warrington trailed Rhinos only on points difference before the match and have a game in hand, so it was a significant result for the Betfred Super League table. Leeds’ fourth successive win was evidence they are becoming genuine title contenders, but Arthur was more pleased with his side’s performance and the professional way they handled a tough away challenge. “If we can play at that level, with that intensity, teams will have to be at their best to beat us,” he said.

Arthur, whose side are at home to reigning champions Hull KR next Friday, stressed: “I reckon every time you win the next week becomes even more important. That is what we are chasing at the moment, that level of reliability.

“It [the win] is important, but probably more around a few changes to our approach when we travel away. The boys bought in and I am ever-grateful to them because they are buying into everything we are asking them to do. That’s a big reason why I wanted to stay and keep coaching them.”

Reflecting on the performance, Arthur - who recently signed a new two-year contract - praised his team’s goalline defence and the positive way they responded when things went wrong. “I liked the fact the team is becoming very reliable, how we turn up,” he insisted

“The boys can look around the dressing sheds and know exactly what they are going to get from their teammates, which is a big thing. That helps build a bit of belief, so I am pleased about that.

“Our away games haven’t been bad, but they probably haven’t had as much importance as our home games so we had a bit of a focus over the past couple of weeks on being a bit more professional around our away performances. I thought we were getting closer to that again tonight and our resilience was really good and a good step in the right direction - and I thought our starting middles were physically very good.”