Super League: Proving difference between Champions and challengers - Wigan Warriors show Leeds Rhinos how it is done

Under Brad Arthur, Leeds Rhinos have shown glimpses of being the force they once were. They have shown glimpses of being a side in contention for trophies once again.

However, Wigan reminded them on Friday that there is a difference between having signs of being a trophy team and consistently being one.

If there has been one criticism levelled at Arthur during his time at the Rhinos it has been that, in the big games, their star players do not step up and they falter.

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Last year, they fell to St Helens in the play-offs when they were the clear favourites. Who can forget 'Left to Wright'. They went out early in the Challenge Cup to Wakefield Trinity. They were dominated by Wigan on a night when they could have got one hand on their first piece of silverware in 15 years.

Wigan now need one win, in Round 27 against Catalans, to make it two trophies out of two in 2026. Of course, Leeds are not yet mathematically out of the League Leaders' Shield race. If Wigan lose and they win in the final round, their points difference should see them over the line.

If Wigan stand firm though and extend their trophy cabinet, there is one opportunity left for the Rhinos in 2026. It would mean the Rhinos, despite being in top spot for 15 weeks in a row, would only have the Grand Final left as an opportunity to claim silverware.

To win that, they still need to win a semi-final and then the big dance.

What happened on Saturday night is simple: One is a champion team. The other is trying to become one.

It was another big occasion that Leeds Rhinos let slip and for head coach Arthur, he said they simply "let the club down" on the night.

"We are disappointed, we did not put our best foot forward tonight," Arthur said.

"It was a big occasion for the club, not through effort, but we just let ourselves down, we let the club down tonight.

"We spoke to the boys then, it's certainly not over, but we're going to have to dust ourselves off and we've got a big game next week and we need to regain some form."

Like Arthur pointed out, it is important to note that this is not a nail in the coffin for Leeds. In a month's time, we could be lauding the Yorkshire outfit for picking up their first Grand Final win since 2015.

It would be a first major trophy since they had some legendary figures gracing the field.

Scrap that - they could be picking up the League Leaders' Shield next week if Catalans do them a favour and they can get past Hull FC.

However, Wigan have shown again this year that on their day, with their best on the field, they are a sight to behold.

"I think they're too good a team to let this opportunity slip next week," Arthur added.

"They were (the team to beat) before tonight and they just showed how much of a class outfit they are. They just outplayed us."

Leeds were shown Wigan's superiority on Saturday night. They will hope next time they meet, they will finally get to show theirs.

The regular Super League season concludes with Round 27 from Thursday September 10 live on Sky Sports.

(c) Sky Sports 2026: Super League: Proving difference between Champions and challengers - Wigan Warriors show Leeds Rhinos how it is done