Super League: Leeds put bubbly on ice despite top spot

The 36-22 win against Catalans means Leeds move into the next stage of the season at the top of Super League

Tom Briscoe celebrates after scoring Leeds’ sixth try (Reuters)

Leeds coach Brian McDermott insisted his side have not achieved anything yet despite securing top spot in the Super League ahead of the Super Eights.

The 36-22 win against Catalans means Leeds move into the next stage of the season at the top of Super League, a point clear of second-placed St Helens.

Yet McDermott insisted nothing has been won at this stage, with the League Leader’s Shield only presented to the side on top after the conclusion of the Super Eights. “We never said we needed to be top after round 23 – it’s after 30 rounds which is what really matters,” said McDermott. “Yes, we want to be top all the time but it wasn’t a target for us; we certainly haven’t achieved anything yet.”

McDermott reserved praise for England international Tom Briscoe, who marked his first appearance in over four months with a hat-trick. Shoulder surgery meant the winger missed a large portion of Leeds’ run towards the top of the league, and the Leeds coach paid tribute to Briscoe.

“He was very good; to score a hat-trick he’s pretty much cracked on from where he left off before the injury. It wasn’t the busiest game for him but when he had ball in hand he looked good with it.

“You talk to players who’ve had long-term injuries and there’s always levels of frustrations. He’s been out for such a long time and had to watch the team play, but he’s handled himself impeccably.”

Elsewhere, Leroy Cudjoe scored his 100th career try as Huddersfield guaranteed a top-four Super League finish with a 34-24 victory over Wakefield.

Widnes staged a dramatic late fightback to snatch a 21-20 win over Salford and pip them for ninth place. Salford finished in 11th spot.

And captain Joel Monaghan scored twice on his return from injury to help Warrington end the regular season on a high, with a 44-6 rout of Castleford.