Super League leaders Leeds Rhinos surged four points clear of Wigan Warriors after edging their nearest rivals 25-18 in a hard-fought Headingley encounter. 

Tries from Danny McGuire, Joel Moon, Ryan Hall and Kallum Watkins mean Brian McDermott's men took a significant step towards booking a home game in the play-offs, although the victory came at a cost as Mitch Achurch was taken to hospital after being knocked out in the first half. 

Leeds enjoyed a perfect start as the video referee overturned the on-field decision of no try after McGuire scampered over right in the corner with less than three minutes played.

But Wigan responded strongly and Liam Farrell took advantage of hesitant Tom Briscoe defending to pounce in the in-goal area. 

Moon got on the end of McGuire's grubber kick and Kevin Sinfield made it two from two from the tee before he also slotted over a penalty after Joel Tomkins was punished for a high shot on Stevie Ward to make it 14-4 for Leeds. 

A worrying head injury to Achurch caused a lengthy stoppage in play – the Leeds forward departing on a stretcher wearing a neck brace.

The hosts had success from another grubber kick just before the half-time hooter as Sinfield sent Hall in before tagging on the extras.  

Farrell, John Bateman and Dom Manfredi chipped away at Leeds' lead, but the home side were not to be denied and were boosted by Hull FC's 32-22 win at defending champions St Helens. 

Trialling 18-6 at the break, Hull ran in five second-half tries as Curtis Naughton helped himself to a hat-trick at Langtree Park.

Huddersfield Giants, meanwhile, defeated Catalans Dragons 24-12 in Friday's other game.