The Rhinos have been top since May in pursuit of their first silverware since 2020 – a long wait for one of rugby league’s powerhouses – while they have not finished top of Super League since 2015.
But the Warriors have been in their rearview mirror as they have been imperious through the summer, on the back of a winning streak which started more than three months ago with a dismantling of Hull KR in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley.
After a shaky spring, Wigan have been back to their best as they chase a treble, to go with the quadruple they secured two years ago.
Super League’s leading try scorer, Maika Sivo, did not make the Leeds squad after recovering from a broken arm, but there was a setback for the hosts early in the game as full-back Lachie Miller limped off injured.
With the Rhinos reshuffling, Wigan pounced as the great teams do. Sharp handling from French and Keighran got the ball to teenage winger Austin Daniel who, on just his fourth league appearance, showed a turn of pace down the wing and then awareness to set up Keighran to score.
Oliver Partington had a try disallowed, but the Warriors were not to be denied as French’s bullet pass put fellow Australian Keighran over again.
Leeds were stunned but found a response as Connor hoisted a high kick which was brilliantly caught and then touched down by captain Handley.
They were right back in the contest, but French simply dipped into his box of tricks to move Wigan further clear as the stand-off threw a sensational pass that took out three defenders and gave Daniel a walk-in.
Connor kicked a goal on the stroke of half-time to reduce the gap to eight points. But the visitors claimed the first score of the second half through Marshall’s trademark finish in the left corner, although the unhappy hosts believed Wigan had knocked on in the build-up.
There was a hint of desperation as Leeds tried to force their way back into the game, but there were no chinks in the Warriors defence and their class was on show at the other end.
Harry Smith’s clever kick found space and French, on his 200th career appearance, was first on to it, before Field’s dazzling feet grabbed Wigan’s sixth try.
Keighran then completed his hat-trick as the clock was ticking down to cap another glorious night for this storied club.
Leeds: Miller; Hall, Bird, Handley, Newman; Croft, Connor; Oledzki, O’Connor, Jenkins, Watkins, Hankinson, Cassell.
Interchanges: C Smith, Lodge, Lloyd, Holroyd.
Wigan: Field; Daniel, Keighran, Eckersley, Marhsall; French, H Smith; Havard, O’Neill, Thompson, McDermott, Partington, Ellis.
Interchanges: Nsemba, Walters, Mago, Kerr.
Referee: Liam Moore.
