St Helens playoff hopes hang by a thread after thrashing by Leeds

• St Helens 6-34 Leeds

• Rhinos return to top of table after running in six tries

If you needed any further proof that Super League’s two most successful sides are travelling in opposite directions in 2026, this was about as conclusive as it can get.

There are two very different fates awaiting Leeds and St Helens in three weeks or so. The Rhinos will now almost certainly be resting before a Super League playoff semi-final, having earned a bye through the opening week of the playoffs by virtue of a top-two finish. They are still favourites to end the regular season on top after this latest impressive victory.