Five things we learned from Leeds Rhinos' Magic Weekend loss

Wigan Warriors' Willie Isa holds off a challenge from Leeds Rhinos' Jordan Lilley during the Dacia Magic Weekend match at St James' Park, Newcastle. (Picture: Richard Sellers/PA Wire).

Yet another defeat, 40-8 to Wigan Warriors, left fans wondering where the champions’ next win is coming from.

Here are five talking points as Leeds prepare for Friday’s daunting trip to second-placed Warrington Wolves.

1. Rhinos seem to be jinxed in years ending with a 6.

Rhinos have lost five consecutive games in all competitions only three times in the summer era, in 1996, 2006 and now.

2. Leeds’ worst run of defeats in Super League came in 2000 when they lost their first five matches, though that was split by wins in the Challenge Cup.

The final game in that sequence was a 44-10 drubbing at Warrington.

3. A few games ago poor starts were a problem.

Rhinos have scored first in their last three, but collapsed as soon as the opposition got into gear.

4. Yet again, Wigan punished Rhinos in penalty sets.

Leeds’ discipline has been good this season, but they have to be stronger when they are penalised.

5. Hull qualified for the final place in the Super-8s last year with 20 points.

To match that Leeds will need to win seven of their next eight games. Not impossible, but very, very unlikely.