Leeds Rhinos 16 Leigh Leopards 20: Hosts lose perfect home record in warning shot for play-offs

The Rhinos have undergone rebuild after rebuild since securing their eighth title at Old Trafford in 2017, rarely threatening to add to their haul of trophies in the summer era.

Brad Arthur's side have brought hope back to Headingley but there are still hurdles for Leeds to overcome in their pursuit of glory.

The Rhinos entered round 23 with a two-point advantage at the top of Super League, leaving the club well placed for a first League Leaders' Shield in 11 years.

On Thursday, however, they opened the door to Wigan Warriors with a first home defeat of the year.

A healthy points difference provides a much-needed buffer but there were shades of last year's play-off defeat to St Helens as Leigh Leopards escaped with the points.

The panic Leeds showed in defence that night was evident in their attack as they chased the game against an inspired Leigh outfit.

The Rhinos eventually ran out of ideas in a loss that raises questions heading into the play-offs.

While Arthur's men have undoubtedly been the team to beat this year, the only time to prove it is when Old Trafford comes into view.

Leeds remain on course to book a Headingley semi-final but this was another reminder of the work still to be done, home advantage or not.

Perhaps crucially, the Rhinos have an opportunity to recharge before travelling to York Knights on Sunday week.

When they return to action, there will be no room for error after suffering a major setback against fellow title hopefuls Leigh.

It was a game of two halves as entertainment made way for the type of rugby usually reserved for the business end of the season.

The first half came to life just two minutes in when Jake Connor pounced on an error by Josh Charnley to put Ryan Hall over in the corner.

But after giving his rival an opening in the battle for the Super League top tryscorer crown, Charnley quickly atoned for his mistake by backing up a burst by Umyla Hanley to finish out wide.

Connor nudged Leeds back ahead from a penalty but the hosts found themselves behind when Innes Senior finished a slick move to the left.

The Rhinos were cut open again moments later following a break by David Armstrong, only for the full-back to spurn the opportunity with a forward pass to Edwin Ipape.

That proved to be something of a turning point, Brodie Croft accepting a speculative pass from Lachie Miller to race over untouched.

But Leeds could not reach half-time with their lead intact. Zak Lloyd produced a try-saving tackle to deny Charnley but Leigh shipped the ball to the left where Senior raced over for his second try.

Connor knocked over a penalty early in the second half to edge the Rhinos back in front but the hosts failed to find any rhythm in an increasingly scrappy contest.

The Leopards carried a threat throughout and restored their advantage when Hanley exchanged passes with Charnley to race over.

The game appeared to swing in Leeds' favour after Andrew Badrock was sin-binned for a hip-drop tackle on Harry Newman but Leigh withstood everything the home side threw at them with a remarkable rearguard effort.

Hall appeared to have levelled the scores for the Rhinos when he finished in the corner, only for the video referee to spot a foot in touch.

Connor produced a miracle 40/20 to give Leeds one last chance but the game was up after he saw another hopeful kick come to nothing.

Leeds Rhinos: Miller, Hall, Handley, Bird, Newman, Croft, Connor, Oledzki, O'Connor, Jenkins, Hankinson, Watkins, Smith. Substitutes: McCormack, Lloyd, Cassell, Holroyd.

Tries: Hall (2). Croft (27).

Goals: Connor 4/4.

Leigh Leopards: Armstrong, Senior, Badrock, Hanley, Charnley, Cook, Lam, Ofahengaue, Horne, Liu, Hughes, Trout, Brogan. Substitutes: Mulhern, Davis, Alick-Wiencke, Ipape.

Tries: Charnley (6), Senior (22, 38), Hanley (56).

Goals: Cook 2/4.

Sin bin: Badrock (61)

Referee: Chris Kendall.