Super League champions Leeds got the defence of their title off to winning start on the opening night of the new season.

Leeds Rhinos skipper Kevin Sinfield avoided any personal accolades on the day he played his 400th game for the club and instead put the spotlight back on the team.

Hat trick hero Kallum Watkins said he was pleased to be able to help his team to victory on the opening day and put his tries down to the hard work in the gym during the close season.

Leeds Rhinos Head Coach Brian McDermott hailed the contribution of loose forward Carl Ablett after the Rhinos defeated Hull KR on opening night thanks to a hat trick from centre Kallum Watkins.

Leeds Rhinos Head Coach Brian McDermott says his side's good pre-season preparations will count for little if they do not produce a quality performance against Hull KR on Friday night.

Leeds Rhinos visit to Whitehaven last weekend has been hailed as a massive success as they helped promote the game in Cumbria.

Young Leeds Rhinos forward Brad Singleton is hoping to build on his impressive pre-season form to earn a place in Brian McDermott's Super League plans.

Super League Champions Leeds Rhinos are set to break new ground after they became the first club in the country to recruit male dancers on a permanent basis to their matchday dance team.

Kallum Watkins has become the latest member of the Leeds Rhinos squad to agree a new five year contract with the club as final preparations begin for the start of the new season next Friday 3rd February against Hull KR at Headingley Carnegie.

Over 4000 fans turned out to pay tribute to Rhinos legend Rob Burrow at his Testimonial game against Featherstone Rovers.