Josh Simm and Bevan French scored hat-tricks for St Helens and Wigan Warriors in respective hammerings of Leeds Rhinos and Salford Red Devils in Super League on Friday. 

Leeds defeated Salford to win the Challenge Cup last weekend but only four of that side were involved as the Rhinos were outclassed 40-8 by a Saints side who are closing on a third straight League Leaders' Shield.  

All of Simm's tries came in the first half with Zeb Taia also dotting down as Saints went into the break 22-0 ahead. 

Leeds showed some improvement after the restart with Cameron Smith crossing, but Theo Fages, Kevin Naiqama and Aaron Smith all scored for Saints before Liam Tindall's late try added a shred more respectability for the Rhinos.  

Wigan are second in the table and routed Salford 58-12 with Sam Powell and French going over twice and Liam Farrell scoring a try in a dominant first half in which Kallum Watkins replied for Salford. 

Jackson Hastings, Oliver Gildart and Farrell all scored for the Warriors after Tui Lolohea had cut Wigan's lead, before French completed his hat-trick and Gildart had a second in a comprehensive triumph.