Former NRL star Ben Barba has scored two tries for St Helens but it was Leeds centre Ash Handley double that made the difference as the Rhinos ended the Saints' unbeaten record in the Super League.
The scores were locked at 14-14 after an hour on Friday when Handley struck twice in six minutes, taking the centre's tally of tries to 10 in six matches against the Saints to put the Rhinos on their way to a thrilling 28-20 victory.
The Saints stay top of the table but Leeds are just two points behind with a game in hand.
Leeds' win wasn't without its costs, with fullback Ashton Golding forced off with concussion after only five minutes and skipper Kallum Watkins lost with a leg injury.
The Saints made a lively start but the visitors drew first blood, with prop Anthony Mullally charging through the Saints for his first try of the season.
Watkins' goal made it 6-0 but the Saints went on to dominate the rest of the first half.
Barba scythed through for an equalising try on 16 minutes and Danny Richardson nudged the Saints in front with a penalty and created a try for winger Adam Swift.
Leading 12-6, the Saints looked in control before Leeds came up with a breakaway score via Richie Myler.
Watkins' second conversion tied the scores but Richardson put his side back in front 14 minutes into the second half with his second penalty.
But the Rhinos came back and after Watkins had again levelled the scores with a penalty, Handley gave them the lead when he pounced on a bouncing ball from Myler's kick into space.
The champions stretched their lead when Joel Moon stepped through a hole and put in a grubber kick for Handley to grab his second try.
Barba set up a grandstand finish when he finished a break by winger Regan Grace, with Richardson cutting the deficit to just two points with his fourth goal.
But Parcell made sure of the win for Leeds with their fifth try seven minutes from the end.
In Friday's other game, Robert Lui inspired Salford to their second win of the season with a 24-8 success over Hull FC.
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