- Fixture: St Helens vs Leeds Rhinos
- Date: Friday, 20 June 2025
- Venue: Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens
- Competition: Betfred Super League, Round 15
Match Preview
St Helens welcome Leeds Rhinos to the Totally Wicked Stadium for a blockbuster Super League Round 15 clash on Friday night. Both teams are coming off morale-boosting wins: Saints hammered Salford Red Devils 46-4 away, while Leeds convincingly dispatched Challenge Cup finalists Warrington Wolves 36-12 at Headingley. The Rhinos currently sit two places and four points above Saints in the table, making this a crucial fixture for both sides as the playoff race intensifies.
The recent head-to-head record is finely poised. Leeds won the only league meeting this year, 17-4, at Magic Weekend in Newcastle last month, but Saints edged the Rhinos 22-14 in the Challenge Cup at this very venue back in March. Both teams are showing signs of improvement after inconsistent starts to the season. St Helens, however, have been hit hard by injuries: star fullback Jack Welsby is out for 16 weeks following knee surgery, and winger Lewis Murphy will miss around eight weeks with a quad injury. These absences could significantly impact Saints’ attacking threat and backline stability.
Leeds arrive in strong form, having won their last five league matches, including victories over Wakefield, Castleford, and Hull FC, as well as their recent triumph over Warrington. Their only recent loss was a narrow defeat to Hull KR, but they bounced back impressively. The Rhinos’ attacking play has been sharp, with a number of players hitting form at the right time. Saints, meanwhile, have been inconsistent but showed their quality with a dominant display at Salford. That result was a much-needed response after a heavy defeat to Hull KR and a narrow loss to Leeds at Magic Weekend.
Injury concerns loom large for St Helens, and their depth will be tested. Without Welsby and Murphy, head coach Paul Wellens will need big performances from his senior players. Leeds, under Brad Arthur, look settled and confident, and their recent defensive solidity has been a foundation for their winning run. With both teams desperate for points and a passionate crowd expected, this fixture promises intensity and drama.
Key Players
St Helens
- Jonny Lomax: The experienced playmaker will need to step up in Welsby’s absence, orchestrating the Saints’ attack and providing leadership.
- Tommy Makinson: With Murphy out, Makinson’s finishing and work rate on the wing become even more crucial.
- Morgan Knowles: The England international brings aggression and control in the middle, vital for Saints to win the forward battle.
Leeds Rhinos
- Brodie Croft: The marquee halfback has been central to Leeds’ attacking resurgence, creating opportunities and controlling the tempo.
- Ash Handley: In prolific try-scoring form, Handley’s pace and positioning make him a constant threat.
- Cameron Smith: A tireless worker in the pack, Smith’s versatility and defensive steel are key assets for the Rhinos.
Prediction
With Saints missing two key backs and Leeds in a rich vein of form, the Rhinos have a real opportunity to claim a rare away win at the Totally Wicked Stadium. Expect a tight, tactical battle, with both teams strong defensively but Leeds carrying more attacking momentum. Given recent form and injuries, Leeds are tipped to edge it by a narrow margin—possibly by 1-12 points. However, Saints’ home advantage and pride make them dangerous opponents, so a close contest is on the cards.
Betting Markets
| Market | Selection | Odds | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match Winner | St Helens | 10/11 | Bet Now |
| Match Winner | Leeds Rhinos | 1/1 | Bet Now |
| Draw | Draw | 25/1 | Bet Now |
| Handicap (-4.5) | Leeds +4.5 | 10/11 | Bet Now |
| Winning Margin | Leeds by 1-12 | 12/5 | Bet Now |
| First Try Scorer | Ash Handley | 5/1 | Bet Now |
| To Score Anytime | Tommy Makinson | 9/4 | Bet Now |
Saints will be determined to overcome adversity, but the Rhinos’ momentum and Saints’ injury list tip the balance in Leeds’ favour for a thrilling Friday night contest.
