Hicks bagged two second-half tries for Warrington

Leeds missed the chance to go back to the top of the Super League table as they slumped to defeat against Jimmy Lowes' Warrington side.

The Rhinos went ahead through Kylie Leuluai before Matt King crossed for Warrington just before half-time.

Jon Clarke went over for the Wolves after the break before Chris Hicks's brace stretched the Wolves' advantage.

Lee Mitchell's stunning 70-yard dash sealed the win, rendering Leuluai's late try as a mere consolation.

Leeds' latest defeat follows their exit from the Challenge Cup at the hands of St Helens, and came with the Rhinos' missing several first-choice players.

Warrington were quickest out of the blocks and looked full of purpose, but for all their enthusiasm they never put the Leeds try-line under serious pressure.

It was a Leeds counter-attack which provided the most significant incident for Warrington in the opening half hour, as Louis Anderson suffered a suspected fractured forearm as he attempted to tackle Gareth Ellis.

606: DEBATE Warrington were simply too good - their defence has improved dramatically and the Rhinos' attacking nous was a joke rhinos65

Keith Senior claimed a score as he was hauled down by Lee Briers in the left-hand corner but the video replay revealed he had made a double movement and the try was disallowed.

Kevin Penny wasted a glorious chance when he knocked on with the line at his mercy, following King's athletic aerial tap-back, and minutes later Warrington were made to pay when Leuluai went over for Leeds.

Rob Burrow made the initial break, with Matt Diskin providing the vital off-load for Leuluai to stretch over and score.

Adrian Morley was involved in the build-up to Warrington's opening try just before half-time, which was rounded off when King went over in the left-hand corner, and early after the restart he was again the creator as he punched through the Leeds defence to set up Clarke's try.

Hicks made it three when he touched down in the left-hand corner, and then crossed to the right for a thrilling fourth, which rounded off a Penny-inspired counter-attack, with Lee Briers and Martin Gleeson providing the vital passes.

Mitchell needed no help from anyone as he ran in Warrington's fifth try, a superb solo effort from deep within his own half during which he beat five Leeds defenders.

Leuluai's late try ensured Leeds had the final say but a serious comeback was never really on the cards.

Warrington coach James Lowes on Adrian Morley's contribution: "Moz has been doing that all year.

"There are a few names being bandied about for Man of Steel but he's got to be in for it.

"Simon Grix was also outstanding but it was a great effort from all the boys. And it had to be."

Leeds coach Brian McClennan:
"I thought in the first half there was quite a bit of parity between us but in the second half we showed a lot of fatigue.

"I think most teams suffer the week after playing St Helens but we're going to have to regroup and try our reignite our season before the play-offs."

Leeds: Tansey, Smith, Ablett, Senior, Jones-Bishop, McGuire, Burrow, Leuluai, Diskin, Peacock, Ellis, Kirke, Sinfield.
Replacements: Scruton, Lauitiiti, Worrall, Anselme.

Referee: S Ganson (St Helens)