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Leeds Rhinos defeat Wigan once more at Headingley in the Betfred Super League
- Super League Raw
- Mar 23, 2025
- 6 min read
Leeds Rhinos 12 - 10 Wigan Warriors
In 2024, the Leeds Rhinos secured a remarkable victory against Wigan at home in the Super League with last nights sequel going the same way, captivating nearly sixteen thousand rugby league enthusiasts in attendance. The match was far from a foregone conclusion, as both teams sought to recover from their recent exits in the Challenge Cup. Throughout the pre-season and opening rounds, many have raised concerns about the Rhinos' middle unit and its capacity to establish dominance and provide a solid foundation for the backs to thrive. However, those doubts were effectively addressed in this match, as the Rhinos outperformed an imposing Wigan pack, amassing 586 meters during the game—164 meters more than their opponents, the Cherry and Whites.
The Warriors may cite a specific interpretation of the rules that permitted Jack Sinfield to score the decisive try as a critical factor in the match. However, it is evident that Wigan is significantly affected when they lose either or both of their key players, Field and French. Although Bevan managed to score during the match, his effectiveness is diminished when positioned at fullback, as he cannot influence the game as significantly as he does when operating centrally. Given that rugby is an 80-minute game, Wigan must reassess their attacking structure in the coming weeks, particularly if Field remains sidelined. Credit is due to the Rhinos, who managed the Warriors exceptionally well throughout the evening, with the final score reflecting the true nature of the contest.
Let's relive the drama.
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The Coaches Post Match Reaction
Brad Arthur
Matt Peet
“It was a good game, it ebbed and flowed, Leeds were the better team at the start of the game and points came. We grew into the game and raised the bar in the second half. I liked a lot of what we did defensively. We didn’t get the result but there was plenty to be proud of and some lessons we’ll learn.”
Matt Peet comments on Harry Newman
“Some players you’re just not surprised when they’re involved in incidents, are you? I don’t think anyone will be surprise. There are some players that carry on when they win and some who don’t. Normally the ones that win often don’t.”
Social Media Reaction
Leeds Rhinos
Now that is the win that can define a season. These are the difficult games that we have to find a win, and that is what we bloomin well did. Massive congratulations to Ryan on his 500th game. Greatest winger of the modern era. Onwards and upwards. ALL LEEDS AREN'T WE!!!!! Luke Smith
Totally deserved Win… well done Leeds 🦏… a great advertisement for rugby league…. However , my respect for Marty peat went way down as he couldn’t seem able to muster any respect for the team that just won the match…poor form. Craig Maude
I do not care what anyone says. Jake conner has been the best signing we have had. He has assisted in the most trys we have scored. He looks like the player he once was. Win or loose he stands out. Sinon Holroyd
Fantastic result for the lads , and also to mark Ryan Hall's 500th game , and as for his unconventional try assist brilliant 👏🏻👏🏻🏉🦏🦏 Liz Leech
Wigan Warriors
We win some and then we lose some, that is the nature of the game.. and what a game it is. Wigan Warriors played their hearts out but unfortunately it just wasn’t to be. Too early in the season to be concerned and to be fair, Leeds defended like their lives depended on it. On to the next game! Well Done Leeds for the win, Wigan will bounce back, have faith !!
A M Standish
We weren’t ever going to win that because it was Hall’s 500th game so they would ensure a Leeds win at all costs. Clare Louise Mills
Seems Peet organises everything around his chosen starting 13. When changes are made the side becomes very ordinary. Smith is a poor organiser when under pressure . Farrimond not up to it yet. French nullified when coming into line from fullback. Needs to play 6. Gives opposition more to think about as to whether he will take them on or create! French and Field are foils for each other. Take them out of the team or play them on what seems wrong position the team is clueless. Stephen Porter
Abject performance. one out carries not enough attacking shape even in the closing stages running it up the middle all the time won’t work every week. Hardly a bounce back after last week. Have to remember every team they play it’s their cup final after what Wigan did last year. You have to show up or you won’t win. Seb Watson
The Final Word
The Leeds Rhinos demonstrated the qualities of a true top-six team in their match against the Warriors. However, it is worth noting that they exhibited similar promise last year but ultimately fell short. In sports, it is not unusual for mid-table teams to rise to the occasion when competing against stronger opponents—was that the case once again last night? Only time will reveal the answer, as the Rhinos have often disappointed despite their potential over the years; a single victory against the champions does not equate to sustained success. Nevertheless, there was much to admire about the Rhinos' performance last night, as they played with both passion and energy. Their robust defence effectively neutralised key players like Junior Nsemba, which should not be overlooked.
Brad Arthur made the strategic decision to leave Frawley on the bench, opting instead for Connor and Croft in the halves—a choice that proved to be inspired during the match. Jake Connor has thus far demonstrated his value as a significant addition to the Rhinos squad. With Miller returning to the fullback position, Frawley may find it challenging to regain his place in the lineup in the near future.
Additionally, congratulations are in order for Ryan Hall on his remarkable milestone of 500 career appearances. His insightful post game comments on Sky Sports following games reflects his impressive career.
Looking ahead, the Rhinos will face Warrington. on Friday. A victory in this matchup could prompt critics to revaluate their predictions regarding the team's prospects this season.
Wigan experienced consecutive defeats in the Super League 2024 against Hull FC and Warrington Wolves, and we are all aware of the what happened next. While Matt Peet may feel disappointed, he is likely to embrace the challenge of steering Wigan back on course, as success often stifles internal development. The Wigan Warriors will not be solely defined by these performances; they exhibited commendable play, had opportunities to secure victory, and contributed to an exhilarating 80 minutes of entertainment. It would be overly simplistic to attribute these two losses to their time in Las Vegas, especially considering Warrington's contrasting outcomes. Ultimately, in sports, one experiences both victories and defeats.
The next match for the Warriors features the Salford Red Devils, and Coach Matt Peet will undoubtedly seek a decisive victory; this matchup is like Tyson Fury facing off against Barry McGuigan. Should Hull KR triumph over the Leigh Leopards this afternoon, Wigan would find themselves four points behind last year's beaten finalists and league runners-up, intensifying anticipation for their upcoming head-to-head encounters, where the competition promises to be closely contested. While the Grand Final remains the ultimate goal, the Warriors are equally determined to retain the shield having lost the Challenge Cup this season. It is important to note that, despite suggestions to the contrary, the Warriors—who lost only five games in 2024—may not be as invincible as previously thought.
The Gladiators who took the Field
Leeds Rhinos
1 Lachlan Miller
23 Riley Lumb
3 Harry Newman
4 Ash Handley
5 Ryan Hall
6 Brodie Croft
18 Jake Connor
8 Mikolaj Oledzki
14 Jarrod O’Connor
17 Cooper Jenkins
11 James Bentley
12 James McDonnell
10 Keenan Palasia
Interchange
15 Sam Lisone
16 Morgan Gannon
19 Tom Holroyd
20 Jack Sinfield
Try Scorers: Lumb (11), Sinfield (67)
Tale of the Boot: Connor 2/3
Wigan Warriors
6 Bevan French
26 Jacob Douglas
22 Zach Eckersley
4 Jake Wardle
5 Liam Marshall
24 Jack Farrimond
7 Harry Smith
16 Liam Byrne
17 Kruise Leeming
10 Luke Thompson
11 Junior Nsemba
12 Liam Farrell
13 Kaide Ellis
Interchange
15 Patrick Mago
19 Tyler Dupree
21 Sam Walters
23 Tom Forber
Try Scorers: Marshall (40), French (50)
Tale of the Boot: Smith 1/2
HOW IT WENT DOWN: 4-0, 6-0, 6-4, 6-10, 12-10
Man of the Match - The Super League Raw Trophy
3pts - Jake Connor
2pts - Mikolaj Oledzki
1pt - Sam Walters
Half-time: 6-4
Referee: Jack Smith
Attendance: 15,966
Key Performance Indicators:
Most Tackles – Jarrod O'Connor & Sam Walters - 47 - Sam Walters = 100% Efficiency
Top Tackle Busts – Lachie Miller - 6
Most Carries – Lachie Miller - 25
Most Metres - Lachie Miller - 171
Most Hard Metres - Mikolaj Oledzki - 102
Most Offloads - Harry Smith - 3
Clean Breaks - Bevan French - 2
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