Leeds Rhinos returned to winning ways with a 26-22 victory over Warrington Wolves in the sixth Super League match at AMT Headingley Stadium.
Another game played on the opening weekend of 1996 brought down the 30th anniversary of Super League, with Leeds fighting hard to ensure a third successive defeat.
Meanwhile, Warrington suffered their first loss of the season.
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Leeds Rhinos’ Micah Sibo’s every try in the Super League game against Warrington Wolves.
Warrington held a narrow lead at half-time thanks to Euan Erwin’s penalty conversion and tries from Josh Thewlis and Jack Smith, but Leeds hit back with Micah Thibo’s double to take eight points. Jake Conner also couldn’t convert.
However, Leeds took control in the second half. Sibo completed his hat-trick before Jack Bird and Brodie Croft finished. Connor also added a penalty.
Wolves scored again with a converted goal from Toby King and an unconverted second goal from Smith, but it wasn’t enough as they trailed by four points.
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Super League All Time XIII to be announced at Headingley.
Leeds show fighting spirit despite Wolves’ first defeat
Warrington entered the competition unbeaten and exuding confidence, but Leeds Rhinos were looking to bounce back after head coach Brad Arthur called their previous performance “embarrassing”.
Despite the pressure on the home side, Wolves were in the lead from the start. Eight minutes later, under pressure, Warrington won a penalty, which youngster Irwin converted to take a 2-0 lead.
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Josh Thewlis scored the opening goal for Warrington Wolves against Leeds Rhinos.
An easy meter ensued for the visitors, with their forwards helping them forward. That turned into a goal in the 20th minute, thanks to the brilliance of Thewlis, who broke down the left side and forced Lakie Miller to walk on a dummy. Irwin was unable to score and the lead remained at 6-0.
Just six minutes later Warrington were on the scoreboard again, this time popping out from behind a magical Irwin 40/20. Warrington quickly handed the ball over and Smith had space in front of goal to walk in. This time Irwin scored, giving him a 12-0 advantage.
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Josh Smith scores Warrington Wolves’ second try after a brilliant kick from Euan Erwin.
Leeds continued to fight to stay in the game and used their power and pace to successfully dive in just after the half-hour mark when Super League top try-scorer Sibo was at the end of a quick succession of passes.
As half-time approached, Sibo was again standing in the same corner. However, Jake Connor also failed to score and Leeds were trailing 12-8 at half-time.
Just after half-time, Leeds overturned a 12-point deficit with a hat-trick from Sibo in the 46th minute. This time, Connor made a clutch conversion to put the Rhinos ahead 14-12.
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Leeds Rhinos’ Maico Sibo scores his second try of the match in the Super League match against Warrington Wolves.
But it didn’t take long for Warrington to fight back. From close range, King stepped up and danced his way through the Rhinos’ defense, scoring Irwin for an 18-14 lead.
The pendulum continued to swing the next time Leeds reversed. Bird bounced on his home debut after prolonged pressure, but the game was tied at 18-18 with 22 minutes left as Connor skewed the conversion.
Leeds had more of the ball and chances and after 68 minutes Croft’s fluid footwork got under the sticks and Connor scored for a 24-18 scoreline.
Leeds then extended their lead with a high hit from Keenan Palasia and a shot from Connor, extending their advantage to eight points.
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Brodie Croft scored a try in the Super League match against Warrington Wolves to put Leeds in the lead again.
Warrington turned things around again in the 76th minute when Smith scored their second goal with a sensational dive into the corner.
However, Irwin was unable to score and Warrington ran out of time to fight back as Irwin went for an obstruction with seconds remaining.
‘More like us’ – Arthur praises Leeds show
Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur said on Sky Sports:
“That was more of our game. It was a gritty game. We made some mistakes, but nothing about our game is perfect. Our players have to understand that. We have to enjoy winning by four or six points, and we don’t have to win by 40 points every week.”
“That’s been our problem the last few weeks. When teams come at us, we have to hang tight because the other team is going to roll. I liked our attitude today about how we needed to play.”
“I’m proud of the players, but you don’t have to look for a reaction every few weeks. You should enjoy winning and playing well. If you play well and lose, I can accept that.”
2026 Super League – Important dates and highlights
Rivals Round: 3rd April – 5th April Super League in Paris: Saturday 6th June: Catalans Dragons vs. Wigan Warriors (Paris), 6:30 UK (Sky Sports) Magic Weekend: 4th July – 5th July Rivals Round Turnaround: 23rd July – 26th July Elimination Playoffs: 19th September – 20th September Playoff Semi-Finals: September 26-September 27 Grand Final: October 3, Old Trafford.
Sky Sports will continue to broadcast every Super League match live this season. Exclusively live, including two matches from each round, the remaining five matches will be shown weekly on Sky Sports+.
