Injury-hit Rhinos way off the pace as Leigh cruise to win

Leeds Rhinos' Super League campaign got off to the now traditional poor start when they were thumped 26-14 at Leigh Leopards on Friday.

- 

SLIDING IN: Cooper Jenkins dives over to score his second-half try at Leigh.

Rhinos began the game well, were in it at the interval when they trailed 10-2, but went to pieces from the second half kick off. It was an under-strength team, without nine injury victims including five of the first 13, but they didn't play well, the pack were out-muscled and some shocking errors were punished by a good, though not outstanding, Leigh side.

As always, there was no lack of effort, but-without Mikolaj Oledzki and Keenan Palasia-Rhinos lacked size and Leigh's big men exploited that in the middle of the field. Inevitably, Rhinos missed Man of Steel Jake Connor, especially his kicking game.