Betfred Super League

Hull FC (6) 12

Tries: Smith, Martin Goals: Charles 2

Leeds (12) 18

Tries: Lumb 2, Smith Goals: Martin 3

Teenager Riley Lumb scored two tries on his debut as Leeds Rhinos held on for a nervy win over Hull.

Morgan Smith’s score gave Hull an early lead, but a double from 19-year-old Lumb put Leeds 12-6 up at the break.

Cam Smith extended the Rhinos' advantage, but Lewis Martin hit back immediately as Leeds took a six-point lead into the final quarter.

Hull pounded away at the visitors' line, forcing a series of errors, but Rohan Smith's side hung on to secure a fourth straight win at the MKM Stadium.

After an inconsistent start to the campaign which saw Leeds follow three wins from four with three defeats from the next four, a fifth victory of the season leaves the Rhinos eighth - but within two points of third-placed Wigan.

For Hull, this was an eighth defeat from nine in Super League, which leaves them second-bottom.

But having shipped 50 points or more in four of their previous five matches, this was a much more encouraging display from a young side still searching for a head coach following Tony Smith’s exit.

After such a miserable start to the season, the omens did not look good when Hull surrendered possession straight from kick-off as Smith was bundled into touch.

But the stand-off gave Hull the rare luxury of an early lead when he was teed up by Jack Walker’s explosive break to run over unchallenged.

Lumb soon levelled in thrilling fashion, evading four Hull defenders with a slaloming run to cross for a dream score just 11 minutes into his first Super League start.

Luis Roberts’ acrobatic flying finish in the left corner was chalked off by the video referee for a leg in touch as the Rhinos' threat grew.

And they hit the front as Lumb's fairytale bow continued when he got a hand to Brodie Croft’s grubber kick to send Leeds in ahead at the break despite an error-prone first half.

Walker dropped a high kick to gift Leeds dangerous field position and Croft took advantage with a 13th try assist of the season, his short pass allowing Smith to punch a hole through the middle for Leeds’ third try to make it 18-6.

Hull could have folded, but straight away Leeds charitably coughed up an error of their own, spilling the kick-off catch into touch.

The hosts duly accepted their lifeline as Walker’s cut-out pass put Martin in at the right corner to cut the deficit to six.

Video referee Jack Smith intervened to strike off another Leeds score for a knock-on to keep Hull in touch.

Still in contention deep into the game - through a combination of good goalline defence and Leeds' handling errors, the hosts had the belief they have badly lacked this season.

Franklin Pele almost barged his way through, but a lack of cutting edge in attack, and the visitors' spirited defence, saw the Rhinos home.

Hull FC joint-interim coach Simon Grix told BBC Radio Humberside:

“I spoke with a few of the players in midweek about being better for longer and I think that we definitely were.

“I think everyone stepped up a bit, but we’re still not where we want to be. We want the two points at the end of the day, but effort-wise we weren’t beat, which is great.

“We moved the ball and got a share of possession which really helped us to start playing and we should gain a little bit of confidence off it.

“We didn’t get the points but plenty to take out of that one.”

Leeds Rhinos head coach Rohan Smith told BBC Radio Leeds:

“Overall I’m particularly pleased with a lot of the young kids and how they defended at the back end of that game when the game was on the line and there was a lot of

“The overall energy I thought was good today. I would have preferred a bit better execution of some of our stuff at times to apply a bit more pressure at sets, but overall we came to do a job against a very spirited and energetic team today and we got what we needed.”

Hull FC: Walker, Martin, Chamberlain, Sutcliffe, Tindall, Smith, Charles, Ese'ese, Houghton, Brown, Lane, Sao, Cator.

Interchanges: Aydin, Gardiner, Moy, Pele.

Leeds: Miller, Lumb, Momirovski, Martin, Roberts, Croft, Frawley, Oledzki, Ackers, Sangare, McDonnell, Goudemand, Smith.

Interchanges: Lisone, O'Connor, Ruan, Edgell.

Referee: Liam Rush.

Leeds claim nervy 18-12 win, giving Rhinos outside hopes of the playoffs while Hull face a squad overhaul in the coming months

The winds of change are blowing through rugby league more than ever before as IMG’s plans to revolutionise the sport begin to take shape. With a grading-style system replacing promotion and relegation later this year, the end goal is simple: the biggest and best clubs on and off the field competing in Super League.

In a sport where big city presences are perhaps thin on the ground, Hull FC and Leeds Rhinos represent two major pillars of the IMG plan. They are two of the seven clubs who were awarded provisional A gradings at the end of last year, meaning that their futures in Super League are safe no matter what happens on the field: which is just as well.

Two of the sport’s bigger clubs, who consistently attract five-figure crowds and produce more top-tier talent than most, are floundering on the pitch. This meeting between the sides, which was edged by Leeds 18-12 thanks to two tries from the debutant Riley Lumb and another from Cameron Smith, showcased two clubs who are in periods of transition.

Hull’s season has been turbulent to say the least, having sacked Tony Smith on 11 April, appointed Richie Myler – the former Leeds scrum-half who was playing for Championship side York as recently as a month ago – as their new director of rugby and failing to lure Salford’s Paul Rowley to Humberside to take over from Smith.

We have not even reached May but the reality is that they are already reduced to playing for pride. They are a staggering 10 points shy of the playoff places and are out of the Challenge Cup, meaning whoever inherits the head coaching position at Hull has a significant rebuild on their hands. Poor recruitment over a prolonged period has caught up with this great club.

They are perhaps fortunate IMG has removed relegation, because they would be locked in a battle with London Broncos for their Super League safety that, based on performances so far this year, they could have easily lost. The appointment of Myler, amid speculation of fresh investment off the field, is being identified as a catalyst for change, but it is not that simple.

Hull will have to overhaul their squad in the months ahead, with high-earning senior players underperforming and others approaching the end of their careers. They have used 33 players already this year, and are up to squad number 45 after borrowing players from other Super League clubs on loan deals.

Their young squad certainly showed no shortage of effort here and in that respect, this was a marked step forward. But Hull’s loyal fanbase will demand more than effort in the longer term. As for Leeds, where the weight of expectation to succeed is arguably even greater, things are at least better in terms of the table.

This win moved them to within two points of the playoff places but they look nothing like a side threatening to win a trophy this year. Like Hull, Leeds at least have a steady stream of promising young talent.

Unlike Hull though, Leeds spent sizeably in the winter transfer market but they have flattered to deceive far too often. That has led to questions about Rohan Smith’s future as coach, but he is understood to still retain the confidence of the hierarchy at Headingley.

But here his side, playing against a Hull team that have conceded more than 50 points on four occasions this year, were tepid to say the least. And while Leeds still have plenty to play for, at Hull the challenge now is to begin what feels like a major rebuild with the season not even at its halfway point.

The new man arriving at the MKM Stadium has a huge job on his hands to restore a club that as recently as five or six years ago was competing on all fronts.

When IMG hands out the 12 coveted seats at the Super League table for 2025, we already know Hull and Leeds will be safe. But anything like success feels some way away for two clubs who expect much more than treading water. But that in itself perhaps raises a bigger question: without relegation in IMG’s plans, can you coast more than ever before without consequence? Food for thought in the years ahead, perhaps.

Defending champions York Valkyrie along with Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors continued their perfect starts to the new Women’s Super League season with second-round wins.

Leeds followed up their 66-4 demolition of Huddersfield in week one with a 68-0 shutout win over Warrington on Saturday to set the early-season pace at the top.

Rhinos prop Izzy Northrop completed her first senior hat-trick, and also teed up Caitlin Beevers for the game’s opening try.

Amy Hardcastle, Lucy Murray, Evie Cousins added to Northrop’s first-half brace as the hosts went in 36-0 up at the break.

Kaiya Glynn had to be stretchered off and Jasmine Cudjoe suffered a broken ulna, but it did not stall the Leeds momentum.

Jenna Greening, Shona Hoyle, Ruby Enright, Tara Moxon and Hardcastle completed a 13-try win, with Enright landing eight goals.

Valkyrie and Warriors power on

After edging St Helens in the opening round, York saw off Barrow 28-8 in Cumbria.

Emma Kershaw scored four tries as the 2022 and 2023 Grand Final winners scorched into a 28-0 lead at the break.

After Kershaw’s early score, Barrow held out until the half-hour when Savannah Andrade extended York’s lead.

The floodgates then opened as Kershaw crossed three times in seven minutes before the break.

Valkyrie back row Lacey Owen and Raiders second row Temple were shown yellow cards for their part in a second-half tussle.

The hosts hit back during the sin-bin with Claire Hutchinson touching down twice in three minutes, but York had done enough to close out the game 28-8.

Five converted tries saw Wigan rack up a big half-time lead at home to Featherstone on Sunday.

Isabel Rowe crossed twice, in addition to tries from Grace Banks, Mary Coleman, and Anna Davies as the Warriors raced into a 30-6 advantage, with Brogan Kennedy replying.

Ellise Derbyshire extended the lead before Olivia Grace hit back for the visitors to make it 36-12.

But Rowe completed her hat-trick and there were second tries for Davies and Coleman as Warriors pulled away to a 54-12 victory, with Emma Knowles perfect off the tee with all nine conversions.

St Helens got their season up and running with an emphatic 60-6 win over Huddersfield.

The hosts were ahead inside four minutes through Darcy Stott and had the job done by half-time thanks to a try apiece for Phoebe Hook and Georgia Sutherland, and braces from Leah Burke and Luci McColm.

Amelia Brown hit back for Giants soon after the restart, but Burke took her tally to four tries with two quick scores.

Tara Jones, Katie Mottershead and Stott also went over as Saints added a further five tries in the second half to cement their first win of the campaign.

QPR drove an almighty dent into Leeds' promotion hopes with a sensational 4-0 win - that also saw Leicester City seal their return to the Premier League.

Goals from Ilias Chair, Lucas Anderson, Lyndon Dykes and Sam Field did the damage at Loftus Road on Friday night, also ensuring QPR of their Championship status for next season.

For Leeds, it was a bitter blow. They are still in second place, but with a game to go they can no longer catch Leicester - who sit four points above them. They are just a point above Ipswich who have two games in hand.

All eyes will be on the MKM Stadium on Saturday night now, as Ipswich head to Hull City. It is live on Sky Sports Football from 7.30pm; kick-off 8pm.

It took just eight minutes for QPR to find the opener after a bright start. Chair picked up the ball and cut in from the left channel, before his low drive from the edge of the box took a deflection off Joe Rodon that steered the ball past Ilian Meslier.

And a bright start turned electric on 22 minutes as Anderson doubled the advantage, jinking through challenges in the box before bending one into the far corner. Leeds were stunned.

It got better for QPR in the second half, and even worse for Leeds. Chair swung in a corner and Dykes got in at the near post to glance one in.

Then a fourth. Chair again with the delivery, this one from a corner, and there was Field to nod home. The win moves QPR seven points clear of the relegation zone. They will be a Championship side in 2024/25.

QPR's Marti Cifuentes:

"Best night of my time here so far? Definitely. It's been a fantastic evening. We worked really hard to get this kind of performance and result. All the players and fans have been amazing. All the club. It was a difficult task but we managed to get the great escape.

"We have been through difficult moments and the guys showed togetherness. It has been teamwork.

"The players deserve this achievement. Some of the performances we could have got better points. But last game at home, against a fantastic football team like Leeds, that [deserves] a lot of credit.

"I came here because I was convinced about the potential. Now it's about enjoying tonight."

Leeds' Daniel Farke:

"First of all, congratulations to QPR. It's a well-deserved win for them and we have to accept the loss. Decisive for the game were the first 15 minutes. We were poor in this period, didn't win any duels. We speak a lot about principles, tactical approach but today the basics were not good. Moving enough and being compact as a team and winning duels. Then we were already 2-0 back.

"After that we started to play the game. Tried to put lots of pressure on their men. Then they scored two more out of set pieces. Then we had to make sure we don't concede any more. It's an off day today.

"The last two games we've conceded too many goals, today we've conceded too many goals. There are several reasons not excuses - quick turnarounds, key players missing, with a really young side they were perhaps a bit nervous or over motivated. All together they played a role.

"We know in terms of automatic promotion we are not in the best position now but this team has no reason to dwell on this really poor game today. With 90 points after 45 games, normally you win the league with this. It's not the right moment to feel too sorry for yourself. We have to keep going now.

"Since game day one we were in the chasing position and nothing has changed. It was remarkable we closed the gaps to the top teams. Let's see."

Leeds Rhinos Women continued their winning start to the season, scoring thirteen tries to earn a 68-0 home win against Warrington Wolves Women at AMT Headingley.

Lois Forsell's team took little time to settle into the match, with Caitlin Beevers opening the scoring after a minute. With two repeat sets the Rhinos made good ground and the centre was able to hold off her defenders to go over in the corner.

The Rhinos maintained the pressure but couldn't find a way over the line until the eleventh minute when Evie Cousins collected a cross-field kick from Hanna Butcher before racing for the line. A minute later Izzy Northrop was in, when she broke from the half-way line and charged upfield for a great solo try. Enright converting both.

There was no let-up for the Wolves, and Leeds were back on the scoreboard on 17 minutes with a brilliant try from Lucy Murray that saw the second rower power upfield before holding off one defender with a massive hit before taking her second defender over the try line with her as she crashed over.

Great work from Ella Donnelly, then led to a try for Enright. Making her first start at loose forward, Donnelly broke her way through the Wolves' defence, but was just stopped short. The ball was then spread out wide to Enright who dived over for her first try of the game. Jenna Greening came close as she marked her return but she was stopped short and the Butcher looked like she had set up Cousins in the corner but her kick was just out of reach for the winger.

Northrop added her second, showing her strength to take the Warrington defenders with her as she stretched out for the try on 32 minutes. Amy Hardcastle then wrapped up the second half when she spotted a gap in the corner to dive through.

The centre got the first try of the second half with a superb solo effort. Making the break from 80 metres, there was no catching her as she raced clear. Tara Moxon made an instant impact from the bench with a try just moments after coming on. Caitlin Casey getting the ball out wide for the winger to simply place the ball over the line. Enright's kick bouncing off of the post to go over and make it 46-0.

Leeds continued to dominate the game and Sophie Robinson was just inches away from scoring, but was just held up before Enright spotted the opportunity to go over from dummy half half. Shona Hoyle found space dive over next to the posts and this time Enright added the extras to put the Rhinos 56-0 in front.

Jenna Greening then made a break from the 50 metres and despite initially looking for support, she backed herself to go all the way and score on her return from injury. Enright added the extras.

The game was brought to a pause after what looked like a serious ankle injury to Kaiya Glynn, which resulted in the prop having to receive medical attention on the field before being stretchered off.

When play resumed it wasn't long before the Rhinos were over again. Amy Hardcastle breaking through before selflessly passing to Northrop for her first hattrick for the club. Enright adding the conversion to complete the 68-0 win.