Makinson double helps Saints see off Rhinos

Tommy Makinson became the first player in the Betfred Super League to reach double figures for tries this season as St Helens returned to the top of the table with a 26-0 victory over struggling Leeds Rhinos.

Konrad Hurrell returned to haunt his former club with the opening try five minutes in and that was followed by Makinson going over just after the quarter-hour mark, and although the Rhinos did claw their way back into the contest they failed to register as Saints led 8-0 at half-time.

Leeds' resistance was broken 13 minutes into the second half as Makinson intercepted and ran 85 metres for his 10th try of the season, with half-backs Lewis Dodd and Jonny Lomax also crossing to secure victory for the reigning champions on the occasion of James Roby's 500th Saints appearance.

The final score marked the 10th time in a row St Helens had beaten Leeds, while at the same time condemning them to a fifth home defeat in as many games in 2022 - the worst home start to a campaign in the club's history.

Leeds, in their second game under interim head coach Jamie Jones-Buchanan, played with plenty of spirit but lacked the creativity to unlock the best defence in Super League.

The early signs were ominous as Saints raced into an 8-0 lead and the opening try came from Hurrell, who was fed from a scrum by Roby and easily brushed off the challenge of Jack Broadbent.

Hooker Roby was then held up over the line before Makinson, restored to his customary right-wing spot, collected a cut-out pass from full-back Jack Welsby to cross for his side's second try.

Makinson was unable to convert either try but, such was the champions' early dominance, it hardly seemed material. However, Leeds gradually worked their way into the game and, after