Hull KR made it two wins out of two to begin their Super League campaign as they got the better of Leeds Rhinos.
The visitors got on the board first through Harry Newman but once Sauaso Sue had cancelled out that score, the hosts were never behind.
Ryan Hall crossed after the break before Ash Handley’s brilliant try reduced the gap to just two points.
However, New Zealand full-back Peta Hiku touched down late on to make sure of the Robins’ victory.
Optimism is high in the east side of Hull to build on last year’s fourth-place finish and runner-up spot in the Challenge Cup.
This result will only add to that for Willie Peters’ side on the back of beating city rivals Hull FC in the season opener seven days ago.
The Rhinos had a setback before kick-off as new full-back Lachlan Miller pulled out through illness, resulting in a full debut for youngster Alfie Edgell.
But they took advantage of Hiku’s early yellow card for a professional foul to go in front as sharp handling from James Bentley and Brodie Croft set up Newman.
The visitors were the better side at this point, but when Jez Litten’s grubber came back off the base of the post, Sue was on hand to touch down for the Robins’ first try.
However, there was controversy on the stroke of half-time as Rhinos forward James Donaldson was guilty of a high shot on Oliver Gildart.
Many expected a red card in light of the sport’s attempt to reduce head contact in the tackle, but referee Jack Smith decided there was enough mitigation for it to only be a yellow.
With Donaldson off the field, Hall’s first try of 2024 against his old club extended Hull KR’s lead as the veteran winger showed he still possesses those deadly finishing skills at 36.
But just as the Robins appeared to be grabbing a stranglehold, half-back Croft showed why he could be such a crucial addition for Leeds after his switch from Salford Red Devils.
Penned in his own half after just two tackles, Croft spotted the space and delivered an inch-perfect kick which Handley caught and finished from inside his own half for a fantastic try.
However, another yellow card for a high tackle, this time for Samoa prop Sam Lisone, robbed Leeds of any momentum.
And with him off the field, Hiku scored his first try for the hosts to seal the success and inflict a first loss on the Rhinos following their opening victory over Salford.
Hull KR head coach Willie Peters told BBC Radio Humberside:
“It was a gritty game. The conditions and the field were terrible. I know there were errors and it was scrappy but they are the games you want to win and can hurt when you don’t.
“We needed to be better in the second half and that’s what we spoke about. I was really pleased with the players that they found some energy and found a way.”
On the yellow cards, he added: “If you get hit around the head, you’ve got to be having a look at it. I need to have a better look but they were probably warranted I would say.”
Leeds Rhinos head coach Rohan Smith told BBC Radio Leeds:
“It was a tough, very competitive game on a very heavy track. Credit to both teams for some of the footy that was played.
“We limited their opportunities a lot, we competed well, we overcame some obstacles during the game and we had some brave defending with two lots of 12 men.”
On the two yellow cards, he said: “It’s the way the game is going. I’m not sure about the second one. We’re almost encouraging everyone to make more of it. Everyone is throwing their arms up in the air, the crowd are throwing their arms up. We’re focused on, ‘can we win a penalty and get someone sin-binned?'”
Hull KR: Hiku; Evalds, Opacic, Gildart, R Hall; May, Lewis; Whitbread, Litten, King, Tanginoa, Batchelor, Minchella.
Interchanges: Sue, Storton, Aydin, C Hall.
Sin-bin: Hiku (6).
Leeds: Edgell; Roberts, Newman, Momirovski, Handley; Croft, Frawley; Sangare, Ackers, Goudemand, Bentley, Martin, Smith.
Interchanges: Donaldson, O’Connor, Lisone, Ruan.
Sin-bin: Donaldson (40), Lisone (67).
Referee: Jack Smith.
