Castleford head coach Daryl Powell told Sky Sports: "Leeds were too good for us, we didn't perform how we wanted to and Leeds matched us all over the field.

"We had a few opportunities after half-time when it was a bit tit for tat but overall we're disappointed.

"We couldn't grab our game together, we had minimal good ball, as Leeds held the field position.

"You need to put them under the pump more than we did today."

Leeds head coach Brian McDermott told Sky Sports: "It was a hard fought win and at times we looked good but I think if we weren't good offensively and defensively then Castleford would have had a crack.

"We didn't see the best of Castleford and I compliment my players for that.

"Daryl [Powell] and Cas won't be happy with the errors they made but there were blue shirts around.

"While they made some breaks, some great defensive efforts by us forced the errors."

Leeds captain Danny McGuire told Sky Sports: "It was like an amateur game today, having to get up early, having our breakfast and coming out to play.

"It was always a tough physical battle, we went hammer and tongs with them and our middle boys were brilliant today."

"We had to work hard there and didn't concede a try while Ryan Hall was off which was pleasing.

"We wanted to get off to a good start and now it's all about resting and recovering for Monday."

Wigan Warriors: Hampshire; Manfredi, Gelling, Sarginson, Burgess; Williams, Smith; Clubb, McIlorum, Mossop, J. Tomkins, Farrell, Bateman.

Replacements: Tautai, Patrick, L. Tomkins, Sutton.

St Helens: Wellens; Makinson, Dawson, Jones, Swift; Turner, Hohaia; Amor, Roby, Walmsley, Greenwood, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Thompson.

Replacements: Masoe, Richards, Flanagan, Savelio.

Some reaction from Leeds' victory at Castleford on the way, and then it will be time to start the build-up ahead of Wigan v St Helens - a repeat of last season's Grand Final...

Stuart Dickens
Wakefield assistant coach on BBC Radio Leeds

"Castleford had plenty of half-opportunities but weren't clinical enough with them. They'll have positives to take from it. But if you give Leeds the ball, they'll score plenty of points against you. And they defend well on the back of it, don't they?"

Leeds Rhinos run out winners here at The Jungle as Castleford are vanquished on a soggy lunchtime in an end-to-end cracker.

11,235 at the Jungle today. What a crowd. What a display.

Wow. Zak Hardaker has to clear like a footballer as a hack through by Ashley Gibson pops dangerously around the Leeds in goal.

Drop out for the Rhinos.

Castleford's Michael Shenton does get in this time for a second try of the game, having exchanged passes with winger Justin Carney down the left to create the score.

Luke Gale slots the goal to reduce the deficit to 14 points.

If there is a positive for Daryl Powell against his former club, then it is the fact Castleford haven't given up trying to play in this one.

Great position inside the 10, but Michael Shenton has the ball smashed from his grasp and the move fizzles out.

Clever kicking by Leeds pins Castleford back in their own half.

That is the type of ruthlessness that wins Super League titles.

Stuart Dickens
Wakefield assistant coach on BBC Radio Leeds

"Great cover defence from Leeds - they've caught Shenton and managed to bundle him eight or nine metres into touch."

No way through Michael Shenton after a 50m short-side break by Castleford looked to take them right into Leeds territory.

Not for the first time Shenton is ditched into touch, testament to the Rhinos defensive effort.

Justin Carney is over... but referee Ben Thaler says no try after a video referee review.

Castleford might just have seen their lifeline in this match flicker away with that decision.

Image source, PA

Rob Burrow has been sent on for Leeds, and the dynamic hooker tees up a barnstorming Adam Cuthbertson to spin, fend and push his way through for a emphatic finish.

Thumped the ball down to complete the score, and Liam Sutcliffe follows suit from the tee.

Is that game over for Cas?

Leeds have punished the Castleford right edge for at least three of the tries here.

That said, when you've got threats like Joel Moon and Ryan Hall out there...

James Deighton
BBC Radio Leeds commentator

"The second-half deadlock is broken and that might just knock the stuffing out of Castleford Tigers. After the arm-wrestle we've had, that was a soft try to concede."

Sweeping move by Leeds across from right to left and Ryan Hall scores. Try two for him. Danny McGuire the architect. Nice timing by Joel Moon to release the final pass, and Leeds were too hot for Castleford there, slick hands.

Liam Sutcliffe unable to tack on the two.

Great defence from Castleford to stop Leeds on the last, and then Leeds drive Cas back to their own try-line on the turnover.

No quarter asked or given.