Wigan make laboured Leeds pay in statement Super League drubbing

This was not truthful overmuch a important Super League triumph arsenic it was a connection to nan remainder of nan competition. Six days connected from their dismantling of their awesome rivals St Helens successful nan ­Challenge Cup semi-finals, Matt Peet’s broadside person now humiliated nan broadside that were apical of nan array heading into this weekend.

If you did not cognize nan first ­trophy of nan play was connected nan verge of being handed out, you do now. With their day pinch Hull KR only a fortnight distant astatine Wembley, Matt Peet’s broadside person clicked into cogwheel astatine precisely nan correct clip – conscionable arsenic they person done truthful galore times complete nan past 4 aliases 5 seasons.

All of a sudden, nan broadside that mislaid 4 successive convention games past period are transformed. Whether it is nan whiff of much history astatine Wembley that has stirred them into life remains to beryllium seen but this commanding triumph complete Leeds Rhinos was further impervious that erstwhile it genuinely matters, Wigan often find a measurement to peak.

The Leeds coach, Brad Arthur, will beryllium gladsome to ne'er measurement ft wrong Wigan again, having mislaid connected each 3 of his visits here. This was nan nadir of their play truthful acold arsenic nan Rhinos fell short successful their biggest lucifer of nan season. One nonaccomplishment does not specify a run but location is nary ­doubting that Leeds were comprehensively beaten.

Leeds were arguably astatine an ­advantage having had a two-week break since their erstwhile fixture, but it was nan Warriors who looked nan fresher and faster broadside successful nan early exchanges. It took nan hosts only six minutes to return a deserved lead, arsenic Adam Keighran’s cross-field footwear was collected by Jack Farrimond to touch down.

Wigan continued to asseverate their power and, while their 2nd effort came successful chaotic circumstances, it underlined their superiority. Jake Connor’s bad boy walk was plucked from nan aerial by Keighran, who raced distant and while Leeds attempted to halt nan attack, Keighran yet touched down successful nan corner.

The Australian converted to put Wigan 12-0 up and, pinch Leeds ­labouring astatine some ends of nan pitch, it was difficult to reason pinch that score. There were chances for nan ­Rhinos, astir notably erstwhile a tally of 10 ­consecutive tackles connected nan Wigan line led to Harry Newman ­coming close for nan visitors, but he dropped a Lachie Miller footwear astatine nan important moment.

And Wigan made nan Rhinos pay. An correction from Leeds coming retired of their ain half handed nan hosts different opportunity to onslaught and they duly took advantage, arsenic Harry Smith’s awesome cut-out walk ­enabled Noah Hodkinson a free tally to nan corner.

Leeds simply had to people adjacent successful a crippled that was quickly spiralling retired of their control. They were astatine slightest capable to repel immoderate much Wigan ­pressure successful nan moments conscionable earlier half-time, but it was thing much than a mini mercy. As nan hooter sounded nan constituent remained nan same: nan Rhinos had to onslaught soon to guidelines immoderate chance.

But nan 2nd half could not person begun overmuch worse for them. Ryan Hall dropped a regularisation footwear and erstwhile Leeds were penalised 3 plays later, Keighran added his 3rd extremity from nan tee to make it 18-0.

It would past get moreover amended arsenic Smith’s spot footwear was collected by Hodkinson, who turned nan shot wrong for Jake Wardle to score. ­Trailing 24-0, Leeds were done.

They did small to propose a expansive comeback was connected nan cards, but they weren’t being helped by nan brilliance of Wigan’s protect line. The ­Warriors weren’t giving Leeds’ attacking players an inch pinch nan reigning Man of Steel, Connor, toiling arsenic his England rival Smith ran nan show for nan hosts.

Leeds were nilled connected Arthur’s first sojourn present 2 years ago, and they astatine slightest avoided that destiny again erstwhile Maika Sivo scored his 18th Super League effort of nan play – but by that point, Wigan knew nan occupation had agelong since been done.