The Warriors still need to win their remaining regular-season game, at home to Salford Red Devils next week, to clinch top spot in Super League but they were in red-hot form against a Rhinos side whose play-off hopes took a blow.
Wigan began brilliantly, with Jake Wardle’s spectacular try and further scores from the brilliant Bevan French (2), Liam Marshall and Kaide Ellis putting them firmly in control.
Leeds, who had won four of their previous five matches, were rarely in the contest, and the only way they can nail a top-six place is by hoping rivals lose and they win away next week against second-placed Hull KR, the only team who can still catch Wigan.
Leeds have revitalised their season under new coach Brad Arthur, but they ran into a Wigan side that has now won five on the bounce since they were surprised 30-4 by the Rhinos at Headingley five weeks ago.
The memory of that shock was still fresh as Wigan were out of the blocks like lightning, scoring two tries in the first eight minutes.
The first was quite stunning. For once, the influential Harry Smith’s kick to the flank was slightly overhit but winger Marshall showed balletic qualities to leap over the touchline and somehow flipped the ball back over his head for Wardle, who produced a diving one-handed finish tight in the corner.
