For the first time since 2020, both Leeds Rhinos and St Helens have started the season well. The two teams entered the clash at the newly renamed AMT Headingley Stadium with three wins from their opening four games.
Leeds Rhinos got their season up and running with a scrappy win over Salford Red Devils, a result that has increased in value week after week since they got their season off to a winning start. The week after, however, they were dealt their first defeat as they squandered an impressive first half to lose to Hull KR after a pair of yellow cards. Leeds followed that with a really impressive win over Catalans Dragons prior to a win over Leigh Leopards battling back from 16-0 down to win 22-16.
St Helens meanwhile began the season scoring tries for fun against London Broncos, backed that up with hard fought wins over Huddersfield Giants and Leigh Leopards but last week a red card for Mark Percival saw them give up a terrific comeback win to Salford Red Devils.
The question was who would claim the spoils tonight at Headingley stadium?
Well early on Leeds Rhinos staked their claim as the dominated the play with an extraordinary pace. Harry Newman came close to opening the scoring before Luis Roberts would power over after a great Brodie Croft ball. A Rhyse Martin penalty made it 8-0.
But the Saints would plot a route back into the game and would trim the deficit with a try from Waqa Blake.
The start to the second half was back and forth but Saints would take a 12-8 lead via a Jon Bennison try in the corner. That lead would be instantly extended by a Moses Mbye try. The Saints led 18-8.