Wigan Warriors seize League Leaders’ Shield advantage with big win over Leeds Rhinos

The Warriors travelled to West Yorkshire sitting second in the Super League table, level on points with Leeds but behind on points difference.

But Wigan produced an impressive performance to leapfrog the Rhinos into top spot with one round of the regular season remaining.

Wigan now need to beat Catalans Dragons at the Brick Community Stadium on Friday to lift the League Leaders’ Shield, even if Leeds beat Hull FC.

The Warriors made a fast start and opened the scoring after eight minutes. Austin Daniel, making just his fourth senior appearance, made a flying break down the right before finding the supporting Adam Keighran, who finished the move. Keighran was unable to convert as Wigan took a 4-0 lead.

Just four minutes later, the Warriors thought they had extended their advantage when Luke Thompson crashed over from close range after Wigan had marched up the field. However, the effort was ruled out after Leeds managed to get underneath Thompson and prevent him from grounding the ball.

Wigan did not have to wait long for their second try, though. The ball was moved through quick hands and found Keighran, who crossed for his second of the evening. This time, the centre converted his own try to make it 10-0.

Leeds responded through Ash Handley after 17 minutes. Jake Connor’s clever chip was collected by Handley, who rose high to score out wide. Connor added the conversion to reduce the deficit to four points.

Wigan continued to threaten and restored their 10-point advantage after 29 minutes. Bevan French produced a superb cut-out pass to send Daniel over in the corner, with the youngster finishing a fine move. Keighran added the conversion to make it 16-6.

Leeds were able to reduce the deficit again before half-time when Connor kicked a penalty after Wigan were caught offside. The Warriors went into the break leading 16-8 after an entertaining opening 40 minutes.

Leeds looked to have opened the second-half scoring when Handley crossed in the corner after 42 minutes, but the video referee ruled the try out. Strong Wigan defence forced the Leeds star into touch, keeping the Warriors’ lead intact.

Wigan then extended their advantage after 44 minutes. Harry Smith produced a sublime cut-out pass to find Zach Eckersley, who then fed Liam Marshall to dive over in the corner. Keighran converted from the touchline to make it 22-8.

The Warriors continued to control proceedings as the second half went on and produced a moment of quality to put further distance between the sides after 66 minutes. The ball went through several pairs of hands before Smith chipped over the top, allowing French to chase down the kick and score in the corner. Keighran again converted to make it 28-8.

Wigan added another try five minutes later as Jai Field darted through on the inside of a French drop-off. Field went under the sticks and Keighran converted to put the Warriors 34-8 ahead.

Keighran then completed his hat-trick in the closing stages, adding another try to an impressive performance on both sides of the ball. He converted his own try to complete the scoring at 40-8.

The result sees Wigan move top of Super League with one round of the regular season remaining. They will now return to the Brick Community Stadium on Friday knowing victory over Catalans will secure the League Leaders’ Shield.

Leeds: Lachie Miller; Ryan Hall, Jack Bird, Ash Handley, Harry Newman; Brodie Croft, Jake Connor; Mikolaj Oledzki, Jarrod O’Connor, Cooper Jenkins, Kallum Watkins, Chris Hankinson, Presley Cassell. Subs: Cameron Smith, Matt Lodge, Zak Lloyd, Tom Holroyd. 18th man: Fergie McCormack.

Tries: Handley | Goals: Connor 2/2

Wigan: Jai Field; Austin Daniel, Adam Keighran, Zach Eckersley, Liam Marshall; Bevan French, Harry Smith; Ethan Havard, Brad O’Neill, Luke Thompson, Kian McDermott, Ollie Partington, Kaide Ellis. Subs: Junior Nsemba, Sam Walters, Patrick Mago, Taylor Kerr. 18th man: Shea O’Connor.

Tries: Keighran (3), Daniel, Marshall, French, Field | Goals: Keighran 6/7

Referee: Liam Moore | Attendance: 19,698