Champions Leeds hit back to beat Hull
Defending English Super League champions Leeds Rhinos warmed up for next weekend's World Club Challenge final clash with Manly with a come-from-behind 19-10 at Hull Kingston Rovers.
The visitors took a fourth-minute lead through a try by second row Carl Ablett, but Kevin Sinfield missed the ensuing goal attempt and a Shaun Briscoe try allowed Rovers to draw level five minutes later.
Three goals from former Canberra Raider Michael Dobson gave the home side a 10-4 half-time lead, but the champions hit back in the second period.
Winger Ryan Hall's converted try after eight minutes drew them level before Sinfield's second goal nudged them ahead, with substitute Kallum Watkins's try and a late Sinfield drop-goal capping a fine comeback.
Leeds's victory takes them four points above second-placed Huddersfield, who welcome St Helens to the Galpharm Stadium on Sunday.
In the night's other game, Castleford survived a late fightback from Wigan to secure their first points of the 2009 season with a 28-22 triumph at the JJB Stadium.
Second row Brett Ferres went over twice for the visitors, while Kirk Dickson scored one try and four goals to amass a personal haul of 12 points.
Wigan were left to rue their profligacy in front of the posts, with former NRL stars Amos Roberts and Mark Riddell failing to capitalise on second-half tries by Darrell Goulding, Joel Tomkins and Shane Ainscough.
Ainscough's try took Wigan to within two points of the visitors with 15 minutes remaining, but Castleford repelled their attacks before sealing victory with a last-minute try from centre Michael Shenton.
The defeat means Wigan have lost their first three matches of the new campaign.
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