Leeds Rhinos produced another statement of their Super League title credentials with arguably their best victory of 2025 as they dismantled the leaders, Hull KR, to breathe further life into their pursuit of a top-two finish come the playoffs.

The Rhinos have been rejuvenated under Brad Arthur this season and, after back-to-back eighth-placed finishes in recent years, look like a side capable of winning a ninth Super League title at Old Trafford in October on showings like this.

They were far superior than Hull KR to move level on points with second-placed Wigan. Rovers have lost four games in all competitions this season, and two have been to Leeds. Second place comes with increased riches: a bye through the opening round of the playoffs and a home semi-final. Should Leeds secure that, few would fancy coming to Headingley.

Hull KR’s evening could not have started much worse with the loss of forward Sauaso Sue inside five minutes with what appeared to be a troubling injury. But their night would deteriorate further in a one-sided opening 40 minutes in which Leeds dominated at both ends of the field.

By half-time they led 18-0 and were magnificent value for such a healthy advantage. They opened the scoring when Jake Connor produced a superb solo run to break the deadlock, and four minutes later Leeds doubled their lead when Presley Cassell grounded a Kallum Watkins kick.

Connor converted both and was soon called into action from the tee again when Leeds scored their third. It was play of the highest attacking standard, as an inch-perfect pass from Brodie Croft freed full-back Lachie Miller, who rounded opposite number Arthur Mourgue with ease.

Rovers had their moments but were quelled by spirited defending from Leeds, who were by far the more dominant, with Miller at the heart of almost everything.

Any notion of a Hull KR comeback had to start with an early try after half-time. But such was the quality of Leeds’ defending, that never felt likely. Instead, the Rhinos killed the game with a Connor penalty to open up a four-score lead before Croft delivered another perfect assist for Harry Newman.

Connor kicked another penalty to make it 28-0, although Hull KR avoided being nilled for the first time in three years with Tom Davies’ late try.