Halfback Chris Sandow has scored Warrington's first try and set up another as the Wolves upset defending champions Leeds in the opening game of the Super League season at Headingley.
Former Newcastle NRL captain Kurt Gidley's goal-kicking also proved the difference on his Super League debut as Warrington survived waves of defensive pressure to hold on for a 12-10 victory.
Sandow, who was released by Parramatta last year, opened the scoring late in the first half when he sold a dummy and crashed over for a four-pointer from 10 metres out.
The performance was in stark contrast to Sandow's Super League debut for Warrington at Headingley last year when his side was thumped 49-10 by Leeds.
Sandow combined well with halves partner Gidley with the former South Sydney and Eels half earning plenty of praise from Warrington coach Tony Smith.
"The little halfback was absolutely brilliant when we had the ball," Smith said.
"I said I didn't think it was fair to judge him last year when he came to us shattered.
"Now he's fitter, faster and stronger and, most of all, he's happy and that comes out with the way he's playing."
The 27-year-old Queenslander was the saviour again in the second half when, with the Rhinos leading by four, he provided a shallow cross-field kick for centre Ben Currie to score.
Currie then came to his side's rescue at the other end, pulling off a crucial tackle on Rob Burrow when he seemed certain to score.
Leeds, who also featured Keith Galloway on debut, still had a chance to claim a share of the spoils when Jordan Lilley was obstructed after his own grubber kick but Zak Hardaker made a mess of his 30-metre penalty attempt.
Share
