It was a frustrating and underwhelming start to the new campaign for Leeds Rhinos, who fell to a disappointing defeat in their opening fixture of the Betfred Super League season.

Leeds travelled with an injury-hit squad, missing six first-team players, including captain Ash Handley, England international Mikolaj Oledzki, new signing Jeremiah Mata'utia and last season’s Man of Steel Jake Connor. Despite the disruption, Brad Arthur’s side began brightly and showed early intent in the Leigh half.

Their pressure paid off when Jarrod O’Connor had the ball knocked from his grasp just metres from the line, earning Leeds a penalty. Chris Hankinson calmly slotted the kick to edge the visitors 2-0 ahead.

There was little to separate the sides through much of the first half, with both teams creating opportunities. However, it was Leigh who struck first with a try on 17 minutes. A break from halfway allowed the Leopards to keep the ball alive, with Innes Senior finishing in the corner. The conversion drifted wide.

Leigh continued to test the Rhinos’ resolve and were denied by a superb last-ditch tackle from George Brown on his Super League debut. Yet the reprieve was short-lived. Edwin Ipape collecting an offload close to the line to extend the home side’s advantage, with Adam Cook adding the extras.

An error at the start of the second half put the Rhinos further behind.  Riley Lumb spilled the kick-off and Jack Hall reacted quickest, hacking the ball forward to score despite desperate scrambling defence.

Six minutes later, Leigh struck again. A kick ahead caused confusion in the Rhinos’ ranks and Matt Davis grounded the ball behind the posts. Initially sent upstairs as a no try, the video referee overturned the on-field decision.

Cooper Jenkins’ reintroduction after 50 minutes provided a spark. Within two minutes he powered over with a bulldozing run to register the Rhinos’ first try of the season. Hankinson converted to give the visitors a foothold.

Tempers flared shortly after, with both sides reduced to 12 men following a high tackle penalty against Leeds. Harry Newman and Leigh’s Matt Davies were shown yellow cards as tensions rose.

Any hopes of a comeback were dented on 67 minutes when Lachlan Lam crossed for Leigh’s fourth try, punishing another Leeds error.

Arthur’s side continued to push. Jenkins looked like he had his second, but the effort was ruled out for a knock-on. With a minute remaining, Leeds managed a consolation when Brodie Croft crossed late, Hankinson adding the conversion.

Leeds return to AMT Headingley next Friday for their first home Betfred Super League fixture of the season against newly promoted York.