Leeds and Myler dismantle Wigan to crash back into the playoff picture

There are some Leeds Rhinos supporters who are already casting an eye towards next season but on the basis of the past few weeks, that may be somewhat premature. The eight-time Super League champions looked anything like play-off contenders a month ago but they now sit just one point adrift of the top six after their third win in four games.

This was undoubtedly their most impressive victory of the whole season, let alone this encouraging run of form which has hauled them back into play-off contention. Rohan Smith’s team dismantled a Wigan side whose hopes of the treble took a significant hit with this defeat and who could be six points shy of the league leaders, St Helens, with seven games left if the reigning champions win at Wakefield on Sunday.

Matt Peet’s side could have no complaints. The damage was arguably done by half-time, when Leeds established a 24-6 lead. They didn’t relent after the break either, defending with the kind of gusto that was absent in so much of their early season play and in last week’s defeat to Toulouse. Smith’s appointment was viewed as one that should have long-term benefits at Headingley, with a focus on developing their young squad. It could yet yield short-term success, too.

Despite the contrasting performances of both sides last week, it was Leeds who started much the stronger here . Within 10 minutes they had forged an impressive 12-point lead. Richie Myler was the Rhinos’ chief architect;his high kick was grounded by Liam Sutcliffe before Myler then provided an inch-perfect pass for James Bentley to cut through the Wigan line with ease.

Rhyse Martin converted both to make it 12-0 . Although that lead was extended further by half-time, there was a brief period of Wigan pressure which