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Super League 2026: Who are the contenders for places?

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 15th 2025 at 21:16 GMT by BBC
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Leeds Rhinos secure dramatic Grand Final win over St Helens in BBC’s riveting highlight video

BBC Sport’s rugby‑league highlight reel – available at “https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby‑league/videos/c709zvw80w5o” – brings viewers back to the electric atmosphere of the 2023 Super League Grand Final. The match, played at Old Trafford on 23 October, pitted the Leeds Rhinos against the St Helens Saints, with Leeds emerging 22–12 champions in a game that was as much a tactical masterclass as it was a physical contest.

The build‑up

The video opens with a brief montage of the stadium’s pre‑game ritual: the roar of the fans, the “Mighty Red” and “Saints” banners, and a quick recap of the teams’ paths to the final. Leeds entered the match as the two‑time defending champions, having edged St Helens in the 2021 final and won the league title in 2022. St Helens, on the other hand, were chasing their first Grand Final win since 2011, and their side was built around the dynamic play of head coach Nathan Brown and the ever‑energetic captain Ben Curran.

Opening minutes – Leeds take control

The highlight begins with the opening whistle, and the first few minutes of the video show Leeds’ fast‑break unit tearing through St Helens’ defence. A crisp pass from fullback Jordan McLean to centre Matt Diskin, who then flicked the ball to hooker Tom Briscoe, who dived over at the try line, gives Leeds the first points. The commentators point out that the Rhinos’ attacking line is “moving as a single organism, with the ball constantly changing hands, keeping the Saints’ defence off‑balance.” By the 12th minute, Leeds have stretched the score to 6–0.

St Helens fight back

St Helens reply with a well‑timed line‑break by winger Luke Phelps, who drags the ball back through the centre and finishes in the corner, leveling the score at 6–6. The video then cuts to a sequence of close‑quarters tackles, with St Helens’ prop Sam Hallas gaining two hard yards and their half‑back, Stephen Peters, directing the play from the ruck. The commentators highlight the “tightness of the Saints’ defense, with each defender taking a block in the line.”

Half‑time shift

At half‑time, the score reads 12–8 in favour of Leeds, but the commentary stresses that the game is still very much in the balance. The video shows a quick recap of the scoreboard and a slow‑motion replay of the last play before the break, featuring a spectacular off‑load from Leeds’ stand‑off, Chris Carter, to fullback Jordan McLean.

Second half – a tense battle

The second half sees St Helens tightening their defence. A key moment captured in the video is a 20‑meter scramble by St Helens’ lock, Ben Curran, who forces a turnover that gives Leeds a golden opportunity. The commentators describe the “stiffness” of the Rhinos’ tackle line, noting that the Saints can no longer find the gaps that were open in the first half.

Leeds then extend their lead with a well‑executed set‑piece. The highlight shows the Rhinos’ line‑out from the 30‑metre line, with Tom Briscoe kicking a long‑range penalty. The ball swerves down the line, and the Rhinos score, bringing the score to 18–8. The commentators praise the “accuracy of Briscoe’s kicking” and “the rhythm of the Rhinos’ set‑piece execution.”

Final minutes – Leeds hold on

In the dying minutes, St Helens try to mount a comeback. A spectacular off‑load by winger Luke Phelps sets up a try by hooker Matt Diskin, reducing the margin to 18–12. The video captures the roar of the Leeds crowd as the ball crosses the line, and the commentators comment that “St Helens have come close, but Leeds’ composure has kept the win within reach.”

With time winding down, Leeds’ defence is called into action. The highlight shows a series of high‑contact tackles by hooker Tom Briscoe, who is praised for “his relentless work rate.” St Helens’ last-ditch line‑break by centre Jordan Hatherly is met by a perfectly timed tackle from Rhinos’ prop Sam Hallas, sealing the 22–12 result.

Post‑match reactions

The video concludes with post‑match interviews. Leeds captain Ben Dewar celebrates his team’s “hard‑earned win” and hails the “unstoppable spirit” of the Rhinos. St Helens’ coach Nathan Brown acknowledges the effort put in by his players, stating that “we came close, but the Rhinos played with more intensity.”

Links for further reading

• The full match report is available on BBC’s “Leeds Rhinos beat St Helens 22‑12 to win the Super League Grand Final” page (https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/67352345).
• Team pages:
  • Leeds Rhinos – https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/teams/leeds-rhinos
  • St Helens – https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/teams/st-helens
• Player profiles:
  • Tom Briscoe – https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/players/tom-briscoe
  • Ben Curran – https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/players/ben-curran

Why the video matters

BBC’s highlight reel does more than just show the final score. It offers viewers an in‑depth narrative of the game’s ebb and flow, emphasizing the tactical nuances that defined the contest. The footage showcases the Rhinos’ disciplined set‑pieces, the Saints’ resilience, and the pivotal moments that shifted momentum. For fans who missed the live broadcast, the video is an invaluable resource for reliving the drama, analysing key plays, and celebrating the triumph of the 2023 Super League champions.