Leeds Rhinos began the defence of their Betfred Wheelchair Super League crown with a convincing 70-28 win over North Wales Crusaders at their new Leeds Beckett University Sports Centre home.

Ewan Clibbens led the way with a six try haul, also kicking two goals whilst Nathan Collins contributed 26 points from nine goals and two tries. Welsh international Jodie Boyd-Ward crossed for a hat trick, England skipper Tom Halliwell with the Rhinos’ other try. Scott Trigg-Turner posted two tries for Crusaders, who opened the scoring, together with a brace of goals, Stuart Williams and Martin Lane their other try scorers.

Toby Burton-Carter was the star for Warrington Wolves on their debut in the competition, crossing for five tries and nine goals as they ran out 66-28 winners at home to Hull FC. Daniel Phillips claimed a hat trick, Lenny Izzard, Paul Prince and Martin Beddis the Wolves’ other try scorers, Izzard with two goals.

Head coach David Abel commented: “It was a great start to our first season within the Super League with a win, hopefully we can continue improving and gaining experience.”

Great to have kit sponsors and our official well-being partners @FretusGroupLtd to support our Wheelchair team today, plus @TheRFL and @HRAltum too 🏉

Congratulations to Lenny Izzard who was awarded MOTM, match report is on Facebook 💛💙@OneEnergyPower @WarringtonRLFC pic.twitter.com/y0DdWVvu5V

— Warrington Wolves Charitable Foundation (@WWRLFoundation) March 5, 2022

Wigan Warriors won by the same score on their debut against newly-formed side London Roosters, Martin Norris bagging four tries. Declan Roberts chipped in with two tries and a faultless 11 goals for a 30 point haul, Mark Williams with a try double, Adam Rigby, Mark Wooloff and Chris Greenhalgh the cherry and whites’ other scorers.

Warriors head coach Phil Roberts commented: “Today was a proud moment for everybody in our squad, support staff, and our families with the opportunity to pull on a Wigan Warriors shirt in a competitive fixture. I’m very pleased with the result and while we lacked cohesion in the first quarter, it was great to get the win in our first-ever SL fixture, in what was a fast and physical game throughout.”

England’s Joe Coyd was outstanding for the Roosters, who started impressively, scoring four tries and kicking two goals, fellow international Lewis King also getting over the line twice.