Hull Kingston Rovers 30 Leeds Rhinos 40 (Half-time 24-16)
Both teams contributed fully to a magnificent advert for the sport of Rugby league, with a 70-point classic at Craven Park on Sunday. After a breathless point per minute first forty, the action continued to be no less entertaining after the break, as the Rhinos staged a comeback to take the match. With twelve tries in total, as Leeds just outscored the hosts on the try count, there was plenty for the fans to talk about, as they left the ground fully entertained.
The pattern for the game was set from the very first minute, as international winger Tom Briscoe set the ball rolling for Leeds with a try.
That seemed to sting the hosts into action though, as they responded in kind with three tries of their own to lead 18-4, including a brace from Albert Kelly on his debut for the club. The visitors had narrowed the gap as they left the field for half-time, but Rovers still looked to be in the driving seat at 24-16 in front.
Danny McGuire, the leading try-scorer in Super League history, bagged his second try of the day from the scrum-half position, as Leeds staged a fight back against their rivals after the interval. Three other Leeds' team mates also went over for scores in the second period. In response, Hull could only manage one further try after the break, as last year's Challenge Cup winners took the opening day honours here by 40-30.
It was another successful day for goal machine Kevin Sinfield, as he was able to kick six out of his possible seven conversion attempts, in addition to a try, to clock a more than respectable tally of 17 points for the match. Already the leading points scorer in Super League history, he seems to already be in the groove this season.
His rival kicker for Rovers, Josh Mantellato also had a decent kicking day, returning with a healthy 10 points of his own.
In addition to Kelly's double, new Rovers' captain Terry Campese, Mitch Allgood and Kris Welham all opened their season with tries themselves.
Leeds' try count was completed by four-pointers for Callum Watkins, Zak Hardaker and Brad Singleton.