Convincing Super League wins for Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves over Hull KR and Bradford Bulls kept the pressure on Wigan Warriors.
A brace of tries from Kallum Watkins ensured defending champions Leeds extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to seven games with a 44-10 win at Craven Park.
Warrington, last season's beaten finalists, brushed aside Bradford 32-4 in Sunday's other game and remain level on points with Leeds after round 11, four points behind leaders Wigan.
Hull KR went into their showdown with Yorkshire rivals Leeds bidding to build on last weekend's Challenge Cup win over St Helens, but found themselves behind after six minutes when Ryan Hall went over.
Cory Paterson replied for the home side before tries from Brett Delaney, Zak Hardaker and Mitch Achurch put Leeds 20-6 to the good at half-time.
Some smart footwork from Joel Moon allowed him to also force his way over, as Carl Ablett and Watkins combined well to put the winger in and Ian Kirke continued the scoring streak for Leeds.
Omari Caro pulled a try back for Hull KR three minutes from time only for Watkins to put the seal on a dominant display from Leeds with a 65-metre effort.
Warrington continued their dominance over Bradford at the Halliwell Jones stadium thanks to a double from Simon Grix, further tries from Ben Currie, Chris Riley, Chris Hill, Ryan Atkins and a brilliant effort from Joel Monaghan.
Grix gave Warrington the perfect start with a score inside the opening two minutes and Currie soon extended the home side's lead.
Bradford replied through Adrian Purtell, but Riley halted the comeback before it could gather any momentum with a try two minutes before half-time.
Monaghan showed great composure to touch down Richie Myler's high kick and late tries from Hill, Atkins and Grix gave Warrington a ninth-successive win over Bradford.