Premier League: Leopards 26-14 Leeds Rhinos

The Rhinos went into the game with nine players missing through injury, including man of steel Jake Connor, but took an early lead as Chris Hankinson’s penalty was their reward for sustained pressure as Lee struggled with the new, stricter interpretation of the rules of the game.

After that stuttering start, the Leopards side burst into life as Ibab got going, Billy Hodgson picking up the pace and Lahm in mind to cross for Senior to score a fine finish on his Premier League debut for the hosts.

Ibab was causing chaos and when he led another charge and fed Joe Ovahengau, the Papua New Guinea international was on hand to hold the ball and force his way through.

Any words of hope from Leeds manager Brad Arthur were quickly dashed in the first half, as Riley Lomp dropped the ball from the start of the second half and Hughes stepped forward to score, Davies adding another goal as the Rhinos defense wobbled again.

Jenkins burst through two tackles to expose Lee’s defense for the first time and score, and with a glimmer of hope Leeds pushed forward.

Newman furiously claimed that his eye had been gouged out after a tackle and with nerves frayed he was subsequently dismissed shortly after the clash, and Davis pursued him for his part in the altercation.

Another Lumb error led to Leigh territory and Ipape going forward right, then turning left, Lumb collected his pass and turned from Tom Holroyd’s attempted tackle to seal the win, although Croft gave the Leeds traveling support something to cheer about late in the game.