Rhinos see off plucky Robins

Defending champions Leeds had to produce a stirring late comeback to beat Hull KR 20-12 in the opening match of Super League XIII.

Rovers looked on course to secure a shock result at Headingley when they led 12-4 in the second half thanks mainly to the efforts of debutant Jake Webster.

The New Zealander managed a try in each half and also slotted over a penalty for a new-look Robins line-up which included nine fresh faces.

However, the Rhinos rallied late on to turn the game around, winger Lee Smith scoring two crucial tries to put the hosts in front in the final 10 minutes.

Danny McGuire's late score made sure Brian McClennan, who has taken over as coach at Leeds from Tony Smith, enjoyed a winning start in his new job.

Slow start

His Leeds side, which was missing Jamie Jones-Buchanan due to a hamstring injury, appeared to be struggling to overcome jet lag from their pre-season trip to the United States during the first half.

They did occasionally show glimpses of the form that saw them run riot against St Helens in last year's Grand Final, including a moment of magic for the opening try.

Kevin Sinfield and Keith Senior combined beautifully to send winger Scott Donald in for the first score of the campaign.

But the Robins had not made the trip to simply make up the numbers, Webster's first of the night on 27 minutes drawing them level after Ben Cockayne, playing at hooker in the absence of Ben Fisher, worked a neat run-around with Scott Murrell to set up the centre.

The Kiwi then showed his qualities with the boot by slotting over a penalty on the stroke of half-time before extending his team's advantage with a second try just before the hour mark.

A Leeds turnover on the halfway line was swooped on by Chris Chester who then sent the off-season recruit from the Gold Coast Titans scampering away to the line.

Comeback

Murrell's conversion left Leeds with much to do and it appeared the hosts would fall short in their efforts when they twice wasted glorious opportunities.

Rob Burrow's inability to take Brent Webb's pass with the line begging was followed up by a disallowed try by Ryan Bailey after the forward had made a double movement in his attempts to get the ball down.

The pressure was growing on Rovers though and eventually the Rhinos found a way through - Smith taking Clinton Toopi's pass to dive over on the right.

The winger's second came soon after when he was first to a loose ball following Ben Galea's inability to deal with a grubber kick.

Bailey again had a try ruled out by the television official before McGuire ended the visitors' spirited efforts with a fourth Leeds try in the final minute.