St Helens turned in an impressive second-half performance to seal a 22-14 victory over Leeds Rhinos, earning them a spot in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Betfred Challenge Cup. The match took place on March 14, 2025, at the Totally Wicked Stadium. Though Leeds showcased resilience, they could not overcome St Helens’ powerful attack.
St Helens opened the scoring with Kyle Feldt finding the try line, followed swiftly by contributions from Tristan Sailor, Mat Whitley, and Harry Robertson throughout the match. Leeds Rhinos, on the other hand, managed to score two tries through Ash Handley and Harry Newman but they were not enough to keep up with the pace set by St Helens.
This victory was particularly significant for St Helens, as it followed their recent loss to Hull KR. Head coach Paul Wellens acknowledged the need for his team to bounce back after their previous defeat. St Helens demonstrated tenacity as they came from behind, turning the tide of the game which, at halftime, was close at 6-2.
Leeds Rhinos entered the game hoping to capitalize on the return of veteran winger Ryan Hall, who was a key player during his previous Cup wins with the team. Hall missed their last outing against Catalans Dragons due to injury but was anticipated to make necessary contributions. Coach Arthur mentioned Hall’s ability to calm the team’s frantic moments, emphasizing how his presence could be pivotal against St Helens: “There’s not many about bringing the ball out of back-field so [Hall] certainly helps our team,” Arthur praised.
Despite Hall’s return and Leeds’ strong efforts, including scoring opportunities, they found themselves struggling against the formidable St Helens squad, who, over time, consistently put pressure on their defense. The fact remained stark: Leeds had only bested St Helens once in their last 18 encounters.
Throughout the match, Leeds’ effort was evident, marked by their competitive spirit during the first and final quarters. Yet, it was St Helens' quick-fire tries during the second half—where they displayed creativity and execution—that would eventually seal the Rhinos' fate. Though Leeds had some late tries, including one from Harry Newman—a particularly commendable run leading to his score—the effort fell short.
Fans observing the match on this chilly night saw St Helens capitalize on their moments, advancing them to the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup. With the win, they not only progressed but also regained momentum after what was perceived as subpar prior to the match.
The Saint’s performance will now allow them to focus on future challenges, including their next game against other notable teams. With Hull KR having recently overpowered Oldham 40-0, St Helens is likely preparing as they view other contenders with both reverence and anticipation.
Looking back at the individual performances, players from Leeds had mixed results. While some stood out, such as Harry Newman with his impactful contributions, others struggled to fit well within the framework of the match. Player ratings reflected this disparity; most were rated around average, with notable mentions praised or found wanting, shaping the narrative of their season as they move forward.
Indeed, Leeds Rhinos must now regroup. The pathway to success has become clearer now for the other teams entering the quarter-finals of the Betfred Challenge Cup. There’s tangible hope and expectation of improvement, as the competitive spirit remains high, with players and coaches alike committed to the long-season fight.
St Helens' accomplishments still hold notable weight within the sport. They remain one of the most revered teams having accumulated significant wins, adding layers to the intensity of each encounter. With the spotlight solidly on them post-victory, all eyes will be on how they navigate the subsequent rounds of the tournament.
The Rhinos, under Arthur’s guidance, are urged to refine their strategies. Learning from this match will be pivotal. Arthur declared, “the only way is to keep working, remain patient, and trust the game plan.” Such insights promise to likewise keep fans engaged as they chart Leeds’ course through the rest of the season.