Leeds Rhinos saw off the challenge from Hull FC thanks to tries from Joel Moon, Brad Singleton and Robbie Ward, the 18-year old hooker marking his debut with a try.

The torrential rain that fell in the 30 minutes before kick off at Headingley Carnegie were always going to have a major impact on the game and so it proved in the early exchanges. Both teams were guilty of errors in the early exchanges.

Rhinos Head Coach Brian McDermott handed a debut to 18-year-old hooker Robbie Ward whilst Kallum Watkins and Tom Briscoe returned to the side having missed out at the Magic Weekend six days earlier. 

Leeds had to produce some outstanding defence to keep Hull out when first Zak Hardaker and then Briscoe combined to stop a certain try for Gareth Ellis on his return to Headingley Carnegie for the first time. 

It was not until the 24th minute that Leeds managed to break the deadlock. Danny McGuire put Ryan Hall into a gap which is smashed into before getting the ball away and Moon was alert to the chance to pick up and score. Sinfield added the conversion to give the Rhinos a 6-0 lead. 

Both teams had been guilty of trying to force the pass in the wet conditions and it was Leeds who got to grips with the conditions better, playing for territory and keep the pressure on Hull. The home side forced a number of repeat sets on Hull and eventually their resolve cracked. 

McGuire was having an outstanding night with the boot and for the second time, he kicked for the post and this time it rebounded the Rhinos way and prop Brad Singleton slid through on his knees to touch the ball down. Sinfield added the conversion to give his side a 12-0 with 25 minutes to go. 

The Leeds skipper settled the contest when he slotted over a penalty, moments after he had sent a similar kick wide of the upright.

Ward capped off a dream debut as he pounced on an error from Kirk Yeaman before Shaul touched down to give the travelling Hull supporters something to cheer after receiving a pass from a juggling Fetuli Talanoa.