Young centre Kallum Watkins starred with a hat-trick of tries as he turned the game around in the second half.

The champions were heading for only their third opening-day defeat of the Super League era when they trailed 12-10 after 56 minutes, but Watkins struck twice in five minutes to restore their lead and pounced again eight minutes from the end to complete a notable treble.

Danny McGuire added a late try to create a final score that was harsh on the visitors who scored tries through Graeme Horne (2), Kris Welham and David Hodgson.

Brett Delaney had earlier scored the league's first try of the season for the Rhinos, while Brent Webb also crossed the whitewash in a game which saw Leeds captain Kevin Sinfield reach 400 appearances.