The Rhinos’ Struggle to Reclaim Their Super League Dominance
It’s been over six years since Leeds Rhinos last tasted success at Old Trafford, a venue that was once their second home during a prolific period in Super League history. Between 2004 and 2017, the Rhinos won eight Super League Grand Finals, but their triumph over Castleford Tigers in 2017 remains their last league title. Unless their new head coach can orchestrate a miraculous turnaround, it appears this drought will continue for at least another year.
In the seven seasons since that 2017 title win, including the current campaign, Leeds have fallen behind the league’s pacesetters, languishing in mid-table and well adrift of the top four sides in terms of points accrued. This article examines the Rhinos’ position relative to the 15 teams that have featured in Super League since their last Old Trafford triumph.
Non-Ever-Present Teams
Starting with the six non-ever-present teams, Widnes Vikings (6 points in 23 games), Toulouse (10 points in 27 games), London Broncos (22 points in 44 games), Leigh Leopards (47 points in 53 games), and Wakefield Trinity (99 points in 149 games) make up the bottom half of the table.
Ever-Present Teams
In the ever-present cohort, Hull FC (133 points in 159 games), Castleford Tigers (140 points in 160 games), and Hull KR (141 points in 158 games) occupy the middle-table positions. Huddersfield Giants (146 points in 163 games) and Salford Red Devils (152 points in 161 games) sit just above them.
The Rhinos themselves have amassed 157 points from 162 games, falling just short of the one-point-per-game ratio. Warrington Wolves (182 points in 159 games), Catalans Dragons (191 points in 157 games), and Wigan Warriors (226 points in 162 games) make up the top three, with reigning champions St Helens (254 points in 159 games) sitting atop the list.
“This data underscores the significant ground Leeds have lost to their rivals, particularly the league’s dominant forces of St Helens and Wigan, who have accumulated nearly 100 more competition points than the Rhinos in the same period. The new Leeds coach faces a daunting task in reversing this trend and restoring the club to its former glory.”
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