Wigan Warriors are back top of the league after they mauled Leeds Rhinos 50-0 at Headingley to claim a statement win against one of their rivals.

But it wasn’t without a cost. The Warriors have had bad luck with injuries in their pack this year and that has again hit them hard with the Warriors losing another of their key forwards to injury.

As the Warriors defeated Leeds, Liam Byrne was forced from the field of play with an injury.

It could be a costly blow for the Warriors who are certainly in the mix for Grand Final glory at this stage.

Leeds are very much out of the mix and coach Rohan Smith was forced to provide his take on things on Sky Sports:

“We weren’t good enough with possession and got beaten to the bouncing ball and were put on the back foot.

“We had a lot of young players today and it is very difficult to play against a red hot team like that.

“It will be tough to get back up from that. We have to focus on the next two fixtures.”

Asked about the club’s play off hopes, Smith said: “I’d imagine it is over. I’ve not had a look yet.

He did say the Rhinos were good in some areas:

“We’ve done a lot of decent things today, we actually defended Field and French really well today.

“They’re a good team at full strength and we’re not.

“When you build something you have to expect some suffering.

“We have had a lot of challenges this year and we have tackled them really well.

“There is always things and need to change no matter where you are. We are going to have a different roster, Round One next year will look a lot different.

“We have backed a lot of players to improve and they will do.

“You have to front up to that.”

He also spoke about the fans: “The fans have been unbelievable through the highs and lows. Many of them were still cheering at the end and respecting the effort.

“The fans know what is going on and the transition going on.

“But there is a lot to do and it will take some time.”