Warrington Wolves v Leeds Rhinos: Brad Arthur prioritises identity over statement in top-of-table clash

When the competition's leading sides collide, the occasion is often framed as a statement opportunity, a chance to lay down a marker or gain a psychological edge.

The truth lies somewhere in the middle: while top-of-the-table clashes like tonight's game at the Halliwell Jones Stadium are undoubtedly important, they only carry so much weight in a competition ultimately decided by the play-offs.

Brad Arthur is more interested in what the away date with Warrington Wolves reveals about Leeds Rhinos than what it says to the rest of Super League.

"It's not about that (making a statement) at this time of the year for us," said the Rhinos boss, whose side sit above Warrington on points difference.

"It's more about us becoming a reliable team, the same team week in, week out regardless of who we play or where we play.

"We're slowly building on that – but we want to be a reliable team."

That may seem like a curious assessment of a side leading the way at the halfway mark of the campaign but coaches are rarely completely satisfied.

Arthur has identified room for improvement on the road, where the Rhinos have not always maintained the same standards they have demonstrated at Headingley.

This week's trip to Warrington presents an opportunity to show they are not limited by their surroundings.

Arthur is well aware that Leeds cannot afford any lapses against a team fresh from a sixth straight Super League victory.

"I think it'll be tight," he said. "Both teams understand exactly what's on the line.

"We're expecting a fast, hard start from them. They play with plenty of energy and really try to outcompete their opposition, keeping it nice and simple.

"They're playing a really good style of footy. Their young guys have got plenty of belief.

"We're looking forward to another challenge and another away trip to see how we go with a bit more of a disciplined approach away from home."

Leeds returned to winning ways on the road at Toulouse Olympique last week but not before suffering an almighty scare.

Arthur's men raced into a 30-0 lead in the south of France, only to concede four converted tries in 15 minutes either side of the interval.

The Rhinos ultimately held their nerve to see out a 48-24 victory but switch-offs before half-time have become a theme of their campaign.

"It's a concentration thing," acknowledged Arthur.

"Our pre-season was built around concentration, which was the biggest area to improve.

"It has improved but it's still not at the level that is required for us to make sure we get as much as we can out of this season.

"Last week, young Pres (Presley Cassell) came up with a defensive error and got taught a good lesson. The only way they're going to get better is through experience.

"Sometimes you've just got to wear it. It's better for him in the long run that he learns that lesson. It didn't cost us the game."

Leeds were particularly vulnerable on the right edge during Toulouse's rally, leading to criticism of Harry Newman and Ryan Hall.

But the experienced pair have been backed by Arthur to right those wrongs at Warrington.

"The first one in the second half, they put a poor kick in and got a lucky bounce," he recalled. "It all went from there and we got caught out for numbers.

"Our reaction needed to be a touch better there and we just got two scrum plays wrong defensively. We just need to trust and stick to the system and the system will look after them. We didn’t do that.

"We've talked about it and I'm sure at some stage Warrington will test us there so we'll see if we've learned from it."

Lachie Miller will return from suspension in the only change to Arthur's line-up, in keeping with his desire for continuity.

That means Australian centre Jack Bird must wait for another opportunity following his return to fitness.

"The only thing the guys can control is their attitude towards it," said Arthur. "They have no say in team selection, only around their choices and how they respond to it.

"That plays a big part in my motivation of whether I want to put them back in the team or not.”