Leeds Rhinos survived a dramatic second-half comeback to edge past South Sydney Rabbitohs 26-24.
Five tries for Leeds before allowing Rabbitohs back in
Leeds Rhinos survived a dramatic second-half comeback to edge past South Sydney Rabbitohs 26-24 in their Australia Day Challenge match.
The Super League champions scored five first-half tries in Jacksonville to forge their way into a 26-0 lead, but the Rabbitohs had it all their own way after the break.
Hooker Matt Diskin scored the game's opening try and full-back Brent Webb then raced 80 metres for the second following winger Lee Smith's interception. Kevin Sinfield added the extras and Leeds had an early 12-0 lead.
Rob Burrow added the Rhinos' third straight from the restart after a mid-half break on account of the Floridian weather. And skipper Sinfield again converted to give Leeds an 18-0 advantage.
Centre Keith Senior powered over the line for the fourth try of the game on 26 minutes and Scott Donald applied the finish to a perfect first-half for the Englishmen.
Drama
New Rhinos coach Brian McClennan made full use of his squad in the second-half and with Sydney co-owner Russell Crowe watching in the crowd the under-strength Rabbitohs launched a stunning fight back.
Tries from stand-off Ben Rogers and hooker Issac Luke got the Australians back in the contest soon after the interval.
Eddie Paea then scored Sydney's third try and the scrum-half got up and dusted himself down before kicking his third conversion of the half.
Debutant half-back George Ndaira added a fourth converted try at the death, but the Rhinos hung on and can now head into their season opener against Hull Kingston Rovers on Saturday in confident mood.
