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Successive Super League and Challenge Cup encounters with St Helens will give Leeds Rhinos an indication of where they are and how much work still needs to be done.

Last Friday’s 18-8 defeat highlighted some positive signs, but - as well as Leeds played for the opening 40 minutes - there was no doubt Saints deserved the victory. It’s win or bust this time and the big question is can Rhinos close the 10-point gap. Here’s five talking points.

Rhinos lost because…

At the moment, Saints are better than they are. There were defining incidents in the game - for example, the try just before half-time and, most tellingly, a knock-on call deep in Leeds’ territory which led to Saints going ahead - but the visitors took their opportunities and Rhinos didn’t.

Rhinos skipper Cameron Smith in action against St Helens. It's time Super League introduced a captain's challenge. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.

In rugby league, because it’s a possession sport, generally the better team will win. If these two sides play in 10 successive weeks, which is what it feels like at the moment, Saints would probably win seven of them.

They are a more settled team than Leeds who have been together much longer, but - unlike a couple of years ago - Rhinos aren’t a million miles away. They were the better side in the first half and competed throughout. Now you are thinking ‘Leeds should be beating top sides like Saints, not just giving them a game’ and you’d be right. But it takes time. This is a developing side, with a new spine and several players in their first or second season as a Super League

Why Leeds Rhinos lost to St Helens, Miller time, video refs and rock, paper, scissors: latest talking points