The 2015 Super League season launched a 'new era' with the competition restructured to include promotion and relegation to ensure every minute of every game counts.
Reigning champions St Helens got their campaign off to a winning start as they start to build towards their World Club Challenge match against NRL Premiers South Sydney. Warrington Wolves had a comfortable victory ahead of their clash with St George Illawarra, while Wigan Warriors squandered a 16-point lead to draw their opening fixture as they prepare to take on the Brisbane Broncos in an expanded World Club Series.
There was a heavy Australian presence in the opening round, but the results were mixed. Willie Tonga was injured in his first hit-up for Catalans Dragons and was stretchered from the field, while Todd Carney will have to wait for his debut after injuring his calf.
Ashton Sims, Terry Campese, Albert Kelly and Mark Minichiello all impressed in the first round of the season.
St Helens v Catalans Dragons
Willie Tonga was injured in the opening tackle of the game when he got his head in an awkward position and needed to be stretchered from the field. He took no further part in the match but was later reported to be 'fine'. Todd Carney was a late scratching for the Dragons after sustaining a calf injury and will have to wait to make his Super League debut.
St Helens 18 (Atelea Vea, Jordan Turner, Andre Savelio, Tom Makinson tries; Tom Makinson goal)
Catalans Dragons 7 (Eloi Pelissier try; Thomas Bosc field goal)
Widnes Vikings v Wigan Warriors
Wigan Warriors had a 16-point lead and a man advantage after Vikings' winger Patrick ah Van was sent-off for a high tackle on England international Josh Charnley just 23 minutes into the game. But the 12-man Vikings fought back against a sluggish Warriors outfit and tied the game with a try in the 78th minute.
Widnes Vikings 22 (Joe Mellor, Rhys Hanbury, Cameron Phelps, Chris Dean tries; Danny Tickle 2, Stefan Marsh goals)
Wigan Warriors 22 (Joel Tomkins, Anthony Gelling 2, Joe Burgess tries; Matty Smith 3 goals)
Leeds Rhinos v Hull Kingston Rovers
Albert Kelly scored two tries in the first half, Terry Campese crossed the chalk and set-up tries and former Eel Mitch Allgood also scored, but it wasn't enough to get Hull over the line against league heavyweights Leeds Rhinos. Rovers led 24-16 at the break thanks to help from a large Australian contingent, but the experience and star-power of the Rhinos came over the top in the second half in an entertaining contest.
Leeds Rhinos 40 (Tom Briscoe, Kevin Sinfield, Danny McGuire 2, Kallum Watkins, Zak Hardaker, Brad Singleton tries; Kevin Sinfield 6 goals)
Hull Kingston Rovers 30 (Albert Kelly 2, Mitch Allgood, Terry Campese, Kris Welham tries; Josh Mantellato 5 goals)
Warrington Wolves v Salford Red Devils
Ashton Sims impressed on debut as Warrington Wolves easily accounted for the Red Devils. Michael Dobson and Cory Paterson made their debuts for Salford, but the side was missing Kevin Locke, Lama Tasi and Junior Sa'u who were all ruled out through injury.
Warrington Wolves 22 (Richie Myler, Micky Higham, Ryan Atkins, Rhys Evans tries; Stefan Ratchford 3 goals)
Salford Red Devils 8 (Ben Jones-Bishop 2 tries)
Hull FC v Huddersfield Giants
Former Wests Tigers forward Gareth Ellis played his 250th Super League game and led his team alongside former Gold Coast Titan Mark Minichiello to a comfortable 19-0 win.
Hull FC 19 (Fetuli Talanoa, Jamie Shaul 2 tries; Marc Sneyd 3 goals; Marc Sneyd field goal)
Huddersfield Giants 0
Wakefield Wildcats 24 v Castleford Tigers 22
Wakefield Wildcats scored a dramatic victory with a try in the 78th minute, clinching a mighty come-from-behind win over Castleford. Trailing 22-6 with 15 minutes left on the clock, the Wildcats rallied with tries to Pita Godinet and Ali Lauitiiti, before Danny Washbrook scored the match winner.
Wakefield Wildcats 24 (Paul McShane, Pita Godinet, Ali Lauitiiti, Danny Washbrook tries; Craig Hall 4 goals)
Castleford Tigers 22 (Denny Solomona 2, Luke Gale, Justin Carney tries; Luke Gale 3 goals)
