Super League: Leeds Rhinos Leeds hold off Warrington Wolves to climb to 5th place in the rankings | News about rugby league

The win over Warrington was the fifth straight win for Rohan Smith’s side as they continued their search for a play-off spot; Rhinos is now three points ahead of seventh-placed Salford

James Bentley was in the form as Rhinos fought for a narrow win against a side battling Wolves.

Leeds continued their resurgence towards the end of the season with a tense 24-18 win over Warrington at Headingley to climb to a season-high fifth place in the Betfred Super League.

A fifth straight win put the Rhinos within three points of the fourth-placed Catalans Dragons, their opponents in the penultimate game of the regular season, and reinforced belief that Rohan Smith’s men could be the one to go. Dark Horses for the Finals.

The architect of the victory were full-backs Aidan Sezer and Blake Austin, paired together for the first time in six weeks, while Leeds were also boosted by the impact of back rowers Rhyse Martin and James Bentley returning. again.

Among the test scorers as Leeds established a lead around 24-6 was 18-year-old second rower Morgan Gannon, who combined brain and muscle for 24 hours after discovering that he got two Ass and one B in his A grade.

Warrington, with little chance to play but pride, brought on Riley Dean in place of the injured Stefan Ratchford and handed the bench to teenagers Adam Holroyd and Luke Thomas.

Story of the match

Playing with pomp and confidence befitting a team rolling on four straight wins, Leeds attacked with venom from the start and took the lead after four minutes when Martin slipped the ball off a two-way tackle. who gave winger Richie Myler to put winger Ash Handley to the test in his 150th Super League appearance.

Warrington’s only challenge in the first half was scored by chance by Dean, who recovered the ball after his rough kick in the final shot bounced off a defender’s leg.

Peter Mata’utia made the opportunistic conversion to level the score but it was in favor of the visitors, who had the second-best record in all divisions throughout the first half.

Leeds Rhinos celebrate as they continue to flourish at the end of the season.

Leeds manager Smith was forced to redeploy his team after losing winger Liam Tindall to injury, switched Martin to centre-forward and he scored on his next attempt thanks to a drop. neatly loaded from the impressive Bentley.

Cameron Smith then got Gannon’s excellence to try and at halftime, Bentley worked to support Zane Tetevano on his first try since the season opener against Warrington six months ago.

Martin made his fourth conversion to make it 24-6, but the Wolves hinted at a fight back four minutes into the second half as center Jake Wardle drowned on the fifth attempt in nine. appearances for the club.

Mata’utia scored another goal and the score seemed to infuse a new enthusiasm for the Warrington team, who were facing the Leeds half.

In a rare strike, Austin thought he had scored against his former club as Martin made a quick start from 20 yards but he was brought in for a return pass. forward and the away team scored again to set up a tense finish.

Thomas, a 19-year-old who made his international debut for Wales against France in June, was denied a memorable attempt as he was kept in line, but the Wolves maintained pressure and second rower Ben Currie marked his 200th Super. The appearance of the tournament by diving into the kick of George Williams to try that Mata’utia has transformed.

Despite their improved second-half showing, the Wolves are now on points with Wakefield in second from bottom, following their win over Hull FC.

What’s next?

For the Leeds Rhinos, the visit from Huddersfield Giants is their next clash, in person Sky Sports Arena on Wednesday, August 24, kicking off at 8 p.m. Warrington returns to Halliwell Jones Stadium for their next game when they host the Castleford Tigers on Thursday, August 25, starting at 8pm.