Hurrell and Walmsley doubles lead St Helens to emphatic win over Leeds

They are the two most successful sides in Super League history, with eight Grand Final wins apiece. Success in this competition is synonymous with St Helens and Leeds Rhinos but the harsh reality is that this year, only one of those looks likely to win a record-breaking ninth title in the modern era.

Make no mistake about it, there have been shoots of improvement in some of Leeds’ performances since Rohan Smith took charge six weeks ago. You could even argue this final scoreline was a shade harsh on them. But there are key moments in games like these which split the side now six points clear at the top and hunting a fourth successive title, and the one still languishing outside the playoffs as we enter the second half of the season.

Take the passage of play when the game was finely poised at 12-6 in St Helens’ favour midway through the first half. Leeds kept the ball alive in thrilling fashion but ultimately failed to breach the Saints’ defensive line. Two minutes later, the hosts did exactly the same but this time, Regan Grace grounded in the corner to make it a two-score game again and in truth, the game always felt like theirs from that moment.

Agnatius Paasi’s second-half try, which came directly from a Zak Hardaker error for the visitors, was another sign of how ruthless the reigning champions can be if they are in the mood. They were not at their best here but unfortunately for this Leeds side, they are not quite on the level of their great rivals as things stand.

Leeds threatened in patches, but it is clear they are still a work in progress under Smith. After falling 12-0 behind early on here via tries from Konrad Hurrell and Alex Walmsley, things looked ominous for Leeds before a sublime solo effort from Harry