Leeds Rhinos

Leeds Rhinos boss talks St Helens threat ahead of Magic Weekend showdown

by
Peter Smith
May 3, 2025

Leeds Rhinos boss Brad Arthur on the sidelines

Leeds Rhinos coach Brad Arthur reckons Magic Weekend opponents St Helens are as dangerous as ever, despite some disappointing recent results and an unsettled spine.

Saints have lost four of their last six games in all competitions and are fifth in the Betfred Super League table, one place ahead of Rhinos on points difference.

Star Jonny Lomax was the 18th man when Saints slumped 32-18 at Warrington Wolves last week, after coach Paul Wellens opted for Jack Welsby and George Whitby in the halves.

Tristan Sailor, who started the season at stand-off, has been playing at full-back. Sailor has come in for some criticism from pundits over his performances this year, but Arthur feels he will be a threat in Saturday’s clash at St James’ Park in Newcastle.

“He is a good player,” Arthur said. “If you give him time and space, he is dangerous. He is an opportunistic player and you have to make sure you limit the opportunities you give him, because he will make you play.”

Though Leeds Rhinos won’t know who’ll be in the halves until Saints’ teamsheet is handed in 90 minutes before kick-off, Arthur warned: “Whatever combination they come up with, it’s a good combination.”

He stressed: “They all bring different things to the game and they are strong. Overall, it won’t change too much on how they play.”

But Arthur insisted he is more concerned about his own side’s performance than what Saints might throw at them.

The boss felt Leeds Rhinos could and should have beaten Saints in March’s Challenge Cup tie, which they lost 22-14 and league games against Warrington and Hull KR last week were also ones which got away.

He said: “For us, at the moment it is about where we are at and how do we take that next step? We have shown good signs of improvement, but the next step is not just being competitive in games; it is icing those games.

“I am happy the players understand the style of football we want to play. We are good at all the basic fundamentals of the game – missed tackles, completion rates.

“We didn’t have great field position last week, but we’ve been really good at that. Systematically, we’ve been really good, and physically and effort-wise. It is just learning how to win those tight occasions.”