Improvement measured, culture club, nil problems and strong additions: latest Leeds Rhinos talking points

The Magic Weekend win against Bradford Bulls doubled their advantage at the top of Betfred Super League and the squad remains healthy, despite an injury to winger Ryan Hall. They visit one of their bogey grounds this weekend when they take on Catalans Dragons in scorching Perpignan heat, but a win there would be a significant step towards a top-two finish. Here’s five talking points.

1: Measure of progress. The fact Rhinos were disappointed with their performance after scoring 50 points against Bradford showed how far they have come in the two years since Brad Arthur took charge. Leeds are now the sort of team who can win games even if they aren’t at their best.

Patched up Bulls had a good go and caused Rhinos some problems in the second half, scoring back to back tries and breaking Leeds’ line several times. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing as it gave Arthur and his players something to work on this week.

It was similar to last month’s game at Toulouse and Rhinos came back with a strong performance in their next game. Though not ideal, losing concentration for a while when 30 points up isn’t the worst problem to have - and both times it has happened they have recovered to finish the game strongly.

2: Culture club. Team culture is one of the biggest changes under Arthur. There’s a real accountability around the squad now and the players seem to enjoy each other’s company, on and off the field.

Ash Handley’s unselfishness when he turned down a possible hat-trick try against Bulls to ensure Maika Sivo scored for the 10th successive game was an example of that. It was noticeable how pleased the rest of the side were for Sivo - and for Handley when he eventually did complete his treble on the final play of the game. Rhinos’ reaction when things have gone against them this year has also generally been very good.

3: Nil problems. Leeds have lost their last three games in Perpignan 61-0, 26-0 and 11-0, so at least the contests have been getting closer. If they are ever going to score at Stade Gilbert Brutus, this weekend would seem to be the time to do it.

Rhinos are in cracking form and on a six-match winning run, during which the average result has been 40-12, but - as previous visits have illustrated - Saturday won’t be easy. Catalans should be fired up after a 60-18 drubbing by Toulouse last week and sweltering conditions will make it tough for the visitors.

Dragons are also a decent side if they get their game together, but Leeds will go into it as favourites and that is something they are having to learn to deal with. It is a big chance to strengthen their hold on top spot and another step forward in the team’s evolution if they do come home with the points.

4: Strong additions. Losing five first-choice players at the end of this season is a concern, but Rhinos fans can breathe a bit easier following two signings from clubs in the southern hemisphere NRL. Morgan Gannon’s return from New Zealand Warriors is excellent business and everyone at the club knows what he can do.

Dylan Walker also looks to be an exciting recruit. A former Test and State of Origin player, he is ever-present for Parramatta Eels this year and players of that ilk don’t come along very often.

A three-season deal for someone who’ll be 32 in September might be a gamble, but he’s younger than Kallum Watkins was when Rhinos re-signed him and that has worked out pretty well. Arthur seems to have earmarked him for a spot in the pack, but he can also play at centre and in the halves - all positions where Leeds are losing someone this autumn. Rhinos are also in the market for a prop and as things stand, the 2027 squad is looking strong.

5: Theirs to lose. The league leaders’ shield isn’t a done deal. With 10 games left a lot can happen and Rhinos have yet to deal with a spate of injuries, but - four points clear - things are looking promising for the club’s first major silverware since 2020.

Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and Wakefield Trinity all need to win two more games than Leeds to move level and Rhinos’ for and against is worth an extra point. They are right not to look too far ahead, but only three of Leeds’ remaining fixtures are against teams now in the top-six, so the shield is theirs to lose.