McGuire turns on style in Rhinos' title push

Danny McGuire and Damien Blanch were the key men as Leeds and Catalan Dragons made up ground on the Super League leaders at the weekend.

McGuire, overlooked for England's team to play the Exiles on Wednesday, claimed four tries as the Rhinos thrashed London Broncos 58-12 at The Stoop, maintaining their effort to finish the regular season strongly in the quest to retain their title.

Winger Blanch was almost as potent for the Catalans in their 34-10 win over Wakefield.

However, the top two in the table were both beaten in extraordinary circumstances. Bradford, not even guaranteed to be in existence this time next week if they are liquidated on Friday, went to the leaders, Wigan, and somehow found the resolve to win 30-22, with Karl Pryce running in two tries against his former club.

This meant the end of an 11-match winning streak for Wigan, who had Michael McIlorum sent off for throwing a punch at Olivier Elima.

A below-strength Warrington were equally embarrassed in a 48-24 defeat at Salford, for whom Jodie Broughton, Danny Williams, Luke Patten and Vinnie Anderson all scored two tries apiece.

Things were almost as surreal at St Helens, who led Hull KR 26-0, trailed 28-26 and then won it at the end through Tony Puletua's try.