Leeds Rhinos have proved themselves masters of the art since their engage Super League grand final victory over St Helens last October and a six-point lead at the top of the table by the midway stage of the 2008 season testifies to their authority.

It has not been straight-forward for Leeds, who have had to contend with the loss of a handful of internationals through injury for extended periods of the first half of the season.

Yet even though they have been without the likes of Gareth Ellis, Jamie Jones Buchanan, Ali Lauitiiti and Clinton Toopi, the Rhinos have been able to draw on their rich resources of junior talent to keep their marauding rivals at bay.

As Wakefield Trinity became the latest side to learn to their cost, previously unheralded players such as Simon Worrall, Carl Ablett and Eric Anselme, a French 'mercenary' brought in to shore up the Rhinos' weakened ranks, have proved more than adequate replacements.

Leeds did welcome back Ellis, the Great Britain second row, in last Friday's 58-12 taming of the Wildcats, and with more players near match fitness the Super League champions can only get better between now and the grand final, according to their captain Kevin Sinfield.

"It's been a bit like the film Zulu in the last couple of months – we've been defending our camp for week after week and finally the cavalry are here," said Sinfield, who delivered another imperious performance on Friday night. "As we get more players back we'll keep on improving and hopefully keep knocking wins off.

"The team is hungry and that's the pleasing thing. We've had a little bit of success and we want more. A lot of the guys are coming to their peak and the competition for places here is helping bring out the best in everybody.

"We had a few back from injury last week and there are more to come. Everyone knows that their job is on the line."

Friday's victory was the Rhinos' biggest of the season as they delivered the perfect response to a less than convincing display in a 36-26 Challenge Cup win at Harlequins the week before.

The nature of the 10-try mauling also sent out a timely warning to Bradford, who they meet at Grattan Stadium on Friday.

Wakefield's woes were compounded by the loss of hooker Tevita Leo-Latu, who will have a further scan today after suffering a suspected broken hand.