
The Rhinos scored six unanswered tries in the second half to secure a 52-10 win at Warrington with Rob Burrow touching down twice in a clinical performance.
Leeds were looking to bounce back after defeat to Wigan on Tuesday whilst Warrington were coping with a crippling injury list that had ruled out eight first team regulars.
The game was played in bright sunshine which could prove to be an advantage to the Wolves given their extra days preparation for the match.
Tony Smith made two changes to his starting line up, one of which was positional to the side that lost to the Warriors. Lee Smith was drafted into the side to replace Clinton Toopi and Ashley Gibson was switched from wing to centre.
The game started brightly with both teams looking to throw the ball around in the excellent conditions however both coaches will have been disappointed with their sides control of the ball in the early stages.
It was a frustrating period for the Rhinos as they had chances but in an effort to run Warrington's young side around, produce four tight offloads that handed over possession.
It came back to to haunt Leeds when the Wolves kept the ball alive in a move that went 60 metres down field before they spread the ball wide and Ben Westwood made the extra man to score outwide. Just for good measure he then converted the score from the touchline to make it 6-0 after 15 minutes.
Leeds hit back after 29 minutes and it came on the back of some great defence. Having worked the ball upfield, Burrow put a grubber kick in which was fielded by Barnett. However, as he tried to run the ball out, Gareth Ellis made a fantastic tackle and drove the winger over the line. From the drop out, Leeds again showed composure to find the position and eventually fittingly it was Ellis who bust the line and went through for the score.
Two minutes later the Rhinos doubled their tally. Leeds took a quick tap 25 metres out and two tackles later McGuire slipped a perfectly timed pass to Clinton Toopi to score. Sinfield converted both to make it 12-6 afer 31 minutes.
However, Warrington continued to press Leeds at every opportunity and Chris Riley made a break 40 metres out to put the Rhinos on the back foot. Warrington moved the ball quickly and Brent Grose eventually forced his way over in the corner. Westwood missed the conversion.
With time running out in the half, Leeds again hit back with a try from Scott Donald. Sinfield's offload was caught by Senior, who burst through the tackle of Paul Rauhihi before powering up field. He had three players in support and chose McGuire, who thought he had a simple run in. However, having spotted the chasing defender, he sprinted for the corner and was grateful for the support of Donald who took the pass and went over for his ninth try of the season. Sinfield added the conversion to make it 18-10 at half time.
The Rhinos made the best possible start to the second half when they scored after two minutes. Paul Rauhihi made the error with a knock on 35 metres out and from the ensuing scrum, McGuire fed Senior who handed off the challenge of Vinnie Anderson before sprinting over for the score, his 200th of his career for club and representative sides.
Three minutes later, the Rhinos were in again from a Warrington error. Anderson lost control on half way and Leeds took full advantage. They moved the ball upfield and a grubber kick by McGuire was touched down by Burrow. Sinfield converted both tries to make it 30-10 after 46 minutes.
The Rhinos then had to withstand an intense period of pressure after Anthony Jerram blocked a kick by McGuire but the Rhinos defended their line stoutly and maintained their lead.
Leeds were in ruthless mood and having seen off the threat of the Wolves they again increased the advantage after 55 minutes. Jamie Thackray does not score ordinary tries and so it proved again as he took the ball up 15 metres out, held off three would be tacklers before spinning out of the tackle and touching down between the posts. Sinfield's conversion making it 36-10.
Despite having only played five days earlier the Rhinos were getting stronger as the game wore on and they scored their seventh try after 67 minutes. Ryan Bailey showed great strength and footwork to get out of the tackle and then gain a quick play the ball. Diskin spotted the run of Webb who glided through the defence from close range. Sinfield converted the try to make it 42-10.
Two minutes later Leeds were in again when McGuire was on the end of flowing move. Gibson made the break but it seemed to have broken down when the ball fell loose and Smith had to dive on the ball. However, quick hands put McGuire away in the corner. Sinfield missed his first kick of the day but the Rhinos led 46-10.
There was still time left for Rob Burrow to score his second try of the game after good work by Thackray to create the position before offloading to McGuire. He spotted the gap at the back and chipped over the defence, Burrow race through before dribbling the ball forward and diving on the loose ball for the score. Sinfield's conversion making it 52-10.
Warrington: Reardon, Fa'afili, Martin Gleeson, Grose, Barnett, Anderson, Clarke, Rauhihi, Mark Gleeson, Bracek, Westwood, Wainwright, Harrison.
Subs: Riley, Jerram, Cooper, Pickersgill
Leeds: Webb, Donald, Gibson, Senior, Smith, McGuire, Burrow, Peacock, Diskin, Bailey, Jones-Buchanan, Ellis, Sinfield.
Subs: Thackray, Toopi, Kirke, Leuluai
Ref: Ben Thaler
Attendance: 10,155
Click here now to purchase your copy of the DVD of the game and see how the Rhinos hit back at the Halliwell Jones to record the biggest win of the season so far.