Hull KR made it two wins out of two to start their Tremendous League marketing campaign as they obtained the higher of Leeds Rhinos.
The guests obtained on the board first via Harry Newman however as soon as Sauaso Sue had cancelled out that rating, the hosts have been by no means behind.
Ryan Corridor crossed after the break earlier than Ash Handley’s good strive lowered the hole to only two factors.
Nonetheless, New Zealand full-back Peta Hiku touched down late on to ensure of the Robins’ victory.
Optimism is excessive within the east facet of Hull to construct on final yr’s fourth-place end and runner-up spot within the Problem Cup.
This end result will solely add to that for Willie Peters’ facet on the again of beating metropolis rivals Hull FC within the season opener seven days in the past.
The Rhinos had a setback earlier than kick-off as new full-back Lachlan Miller pulled out via sickness, leading to a full debut for teenager Alfie Edgell.
However they took benefit of Hiku’s early yellow card for an expert foul to go in entrance as sharp dealing with from James Bentley and Brodie Croft arrange Newman.
The guests have been the higher facet at this level, however when Jez Litten’s grubber got here again off the bottom of the publish, Sue was readily available to the touch down for the Robins’ first strive.
Nonetheless, there was controversy on the stroke of half-time as Rhinos ahead James Donaldson was responsible of a excessive shot on Oliver Gildart.
Many anticipated a pink card in mild of the game’s try to scale back head contact within the deal with, however referee Jack Smith determined there was sufficient mitigation for it to solely be a yellow.
With Donaldson off the sector, Corridor’s first strive of 2024 in opposition to his previous membership prolonged Hull KR’s lead because the veteran winger confirmed he nonetheless possesses these lethal ending expertise at 36.
However simply because the Robins gave the impression to be grabbing a stranglehold, half-back Croft confirmed why he may very well be such a vital addition for Leeds after his change from Salford Purple Devils.
Penned in his personal half after simply two tackles, Croft noticed the house and delivered an inch-perfect kick which Handley caught and completed from inside his personal half for a incredible strive.
Nonetheless, one other yellow card for a excessive deal with, this time for Samoa prop Sam Lisone, robbed Leeds of any momentum.
And with him off the sector, Hiku scored his first strive for the hosts to seal the success and inflict a primary loss on the Rhinos following their opening victory over Salford.
Hull KR head coach Willie Peters informed BBC Radio Humberside:
“It was a gritty recreation. The circumstances and the sector have been horrible. I do know there have been errors and it was scrappy however they’re the video games you need to win and might damage when you do not.
“We wanted to be higher within the second half and that is what we spoke about. I used to be actually happy with the gamers that they discovered some power and located a means.”
On the yellow playing cards, he added: “In the event you get hit across the head, you have to be taking a look at it. I have to have a greater look however they have been most likely warranted I’d say.”
Leeds Rhinos head coach Rohan Smith informed BBC Radio Leeds:
“It was a troublesome, very aggressive recreation on a really heavy observe. Credit score to each groups for a number of the footy that was performed.
“We restricted their alternatives so much, we competed effectively, we overcame some obstacles in the course of the recreation and we had some courageous defending with two a number of 12 males.”
On the 2 yellow playing cards, he mentioned: “It is the best way the sport goes. I am undecided about the second. We’re nearly encouraging everybody to make extra of it. Everyone seems to be throwing their arms up within the air, the group are throwing their arms up. We’re targeted on, ‘can we win a penalty and get somebody sin-binned?'”
Hull KR: Hiku; Evalds, Opacic, Gildart, R Corridor; Might, Lewis; Whitbread, Litten, King, Tanginoa, Batchelor, Minchella.
Interchanges: Sue, Storton, Aydin, C Corridor.
Sin-bin: Hiku (6).
Leeds: Edgell; Roberts, Newman, Momirovski, Handley; Croft, Frawley; Sangare, Ackers, Goudemand, Bentley, Martin, Smith.
Interchanges: Donaldson, O’Connor, Lisone, Ruan.
Sin-bin: Donaldson (40), Lisone (67).
Referee: Jack Smith.