Saints edge Leeds in Super League opener

The Rhinos lost out to St Helens as Theo Fages crossed for a converted try in the second half to edge a tight contest on opening night.

Leeds Rhinos kicked off the new Betfred Super League competition with a trip across the Pennines to the newly named Totally Wicked Stadium to face St Helens.

The Rhinos were without skipper Danny McGuire, who was not risked as he recovers from a quad injury, Brett Delaney and Brett Ferres. In McGuire's absence, Rob Burrow captained the side in his 500th career appearance whilst hooker Matt Parcell made his debut for the club.

Saints had an early chance when Dominique Peyroux looked certain to score when he powered towards the line but full back Ashton Golding bravely produced a try saving effort to hold the big forward up.

Leeds were able to enjoy the lions share of possession and territory after that due, in large part, to Saints ill discipline as penalties allowed the visitors to work their way down field. The home side however produced some outstanding defence to keep the Rhinos out. However, Saints failed to complete three consecutive sets and eventually the pressure counted. The Rhinos moved the ball wide and Joel Moon held off the attempted tackle to touch down in the corner. Liam Sutcliffe was unable to add the conversion from wide out so it remained 4-0 after 21 minutes.

Saints had a half chance soon after when Adam Swift leaped highest to a cross field kick above Tom Briscoe but he could not bring the ball in to score.

The video referee Robert Hicks was called upon in the closing stages of the first half when Tommy Makinson was held up by Golding again over the line to leave the score at 4-0 at the break.

Saints talisman James Roby lifted his side at the start of the second half and the home side were soon in front. Alex Walmsley was initially denied by the video referee following good defence by Anthony Mullally, however Saints kept their composure and eventually an opening was created for Theo Fages to score. Mark Percival added the conversion to edge his side in front after 45 minutes.

Both teams worked tirelessly to try and create another score after that. Leeds went closest when Watkins produced a superb break down the touchline before passing back inside to Sutcliffe. The half back looked on his way to the corner but a brilliant cover tackle by Makinson not only stopped him but took Sutcliffe into touch.

Saints peppered young full back Golding with high kicks throughout the game but he dealt with the pressure superbly and then came up with his third try saver of the game to deny Makinson after he broke through.

The Rhinos were denied a try for Sutcliffe late on when play was pulled back for a forward pass in the build up and the home side were able to hold out for the win.

This article originally appear at leedsrhinos.co.uk

St Helens 6 Leeds Rhinos 4
AEDT: Friday 10 February 7:00am
UK local: Thursday 9 February 8:00pm
Venue: Totally Wicked Stadium (Langtree Park)
Referee: Phil Bentham
Crowd: 12,208

St Helens (6)
Tries: Theo Fages
Goals: Mark Percival 1/1

Leeds Rhinos (4)
Tries: Joel Moon
Goals: Liam Sutcliffe 0/1