MANCHESTER, England - Leeds Rhinos retained their Super League title on Saturday with a 24-16 win that ended St. Helens' 23-match unbeaten streak.

Five-eighth Danny McGuire scored two tries and fullback Lee Smith and substitute winger Ryan Hall added one apiece for Leeds, which led 12-6 at halftime on a wet Old Trafford surface in front of a crowd of 68,810.

"We had to graft hard, it was one of the toughest games I've ever played in," McGuire said. "We dug in deep and the character we showed tonight was unreal."

James Graham, Matt Gidley and Ade Gardner scored tries for the Saints, whose coach Daniel Anderson is leaving the club after 3 1/2 years in charge.

"We were outplayed in the first half, that was the key to it," Anderson said. "Second half we had a dig, but we just weren't quite on the pace and Leeds took their opportunity.

"We didn't tackle that well - we missed some - and it was difficult tonight. Every time we got a sniff, Leeds hit back very quickly to take away any confidence."