Leeds 36 Ellis 2, Senior, McGuire, Smith 2 Goals: Sinfield 6 Wakefield 20 Tries: Jeffries, Atkins, J. Field, Tadulala Goals: Rooney 2

The Rhinos needed to win by 10 points or more to move above St Helens - and Ellis's first-half brace was the key.

Rhinos full-back Lee Smith claimed a double of his own after the restart.

But it was home skipper Kevin Sinfield who took centre stage, claiming six goals and orchestrating much of his side's attacking play.

St Helens, who have suffered defeat in their previous two games, will reclaim top spot if they avoid defeat at home to Salford on Saturday.

The Wildcats, who caused a storm last season when they claimed a shock 44-28 success at Headingley, fell behind after six minutes when Ellis punished some poor defence.

The visitors suffered further misery nine minutes later when some meticulous dummy running from Sinfield saw him orchestrate his side's second try.

The ball passed through the hands of Ellis and Danny McGuire before the latter sent Keith Senior in at the left corner.

The Rhinos were firmly in command at 12-0, but Wakefield drew level with two tries in as many minutes.

Their first score came after 26 minutes when hooker David March found Ben Jeffries, who scampered over from 10 metres.

The visitors crossed the line again shortly after when Ryan Atkins embarked on a lung-bursting 50-metre run which saw him outpace three Rhinos players.

Jamie Rooney converted both tries, but Ellis forced his way over the line two minutes before the break to put Leeds 18-12 up.

The Rhinos began to batter the Wakefield line immediately after the restart.

McGuire played a delightful one-two with Chris Feather to cross before Ellis and Sinfield combined to send Smith over for a simple score.

On the hour mark, McGuire's brilliant surge and check inside put Smith over for his brace, but Sinfield failed to maintain his 100% record with the boot.

Wakefield's response was again impressive.

Tries from Jamie Field and Semi Tadulala, neither of which Rooney could convert, rocked Leeds momentarily before Sinfield added a late penalty to ensure he had the final say.