Lee Smith bagged two first-half tries, with Scott Donald and Ryan Hall also registering scores as the home side raced into a 22-0 half-time lead.

Darren Map thought he had bagged the Crusaders' first Super League try eight minutes before the break - but the video referee ruled out the effort after Jordan James was deemed to have caused obstruction in the build-up.

John Dixon's men staged a commendable second-half comeback and gave Leeds a scare. Our try came on 55 minutes as Luke Dyer raced onto a superb kick from captain van Disk and ran in a fine try. Josh Hanna kicked the conversion before Crusaders threatened a second-try which could have inspired the most unlikely of comebacks.

However, a shaken Leeds outfit held firm and grabbed their fifth try at the death as Ablest ran over. Both teams ended the game with twelve-men after Jamie Peacock and Celtic's Adam Peek traded blows.

The first-half display was disappointing with the Crusaders looking well out of their depth. However, after the break, Dixon's team showed courage and looked competitive and can be proud of securing a second-half tie. This will prove one of the toughest tests of the season and the Crusaders were not left embarrassed.

Leeds Rhinos: Smith, Donald, Watkins, Senior, Hall, Sinfield, McGuire, Leuluai, Diskin, Peacock, Jones-Buchanan, Lauitiiti, Ablett. Replacements: Kirke, Burgess, Allan, Mcshane.

Celtic Crusaders: Duggan, Dyer, Hannay, Dalle Cort, Blackwood, Smith, Van Dijk, O'Hara, Budworth, Bryant, Peek, Mapp, Lupton. Replacements: Quinn, Flower, J. James, Beasley.