Tommy Makinson doubles up as St Helens extend Leeds’ poor start

Leeds’ miserable start to the new Super League season continued with a sixth defeat in seven games, the latest a chastening loss to a St Helens side which, in truth, barely had to get out of second gear to inflict more misery on the Rhinos. On the hunt for a new coach after Richard Agar’s departure last week, Leeds have now suffered two comprehensive defeats since Jamie Jones-Buchanan took interim charge.

Here, there was certainly no shortage of endeavour but a clear lack of any offensive guile or structure whatsoever as Leeds were nilled against the reigning champions. On a night when James Roby celebrated his 500th appearance for the club, the Saints were simply too good without ever really getting anywhere near the level we are used to seeing from Kristian Woolf’s side. Leeds spurned several gilt-edged opportunities in attack but the Saints’ defence was simply too strong and too resolute for a Rhinos side who appear to be in real trouble at the foot of the table.

The writing appeared ominously on the wall for the Rhinos after just five minutes when they fell behind to an early try. In a cruel twist of fate for the home supporters it was one of the most popular Leeds players of recent years who broke the deadlock, as Konrad Hurrell marked his return to Headingley by barging his way over from close range to put St Helens ahead.

At that stage, you feared the worst for Leeds, but their defensive effort was commendable, not least given their recent form. Time and time again they kept the Saints at bay but when the hosts had to endure four successive sets on their own line, you felt the dam would burst. That moment duly arrived when Lewis Dodd and Jack Welsby combined to send Tommy Makinson over, though Makinson was wide