Watched by an enthusiastic 12,000 crowd at the University of North Florida – including Souths co-owner Russell Crowe – Rhinos powered into a 26-0 half-time lead, before their defence fell apart.

Four soft tries gave Souths the scent of victory, but time ran out.
Leeds looked sharp before the break, running in five unanswered tries, but they were shut out in the second-half, when Souths had total control.

Click here to hear an exclusive interview with South co-owner and Hollywood superstar Russell Crowe in which he gives his thoughts on why the link up with Leeds is so crucial for Australian rugby league.

Numerous changes contributed to Rhino' poor second-half effort, but coach Brian McClennan clearly has work to do before Hull KR visit Headingley Carnegie in six days' time.

Souths had the first chance inside the opening two minutes when Fetuli Talanoa knocked-on just short, but a slice of luck gave Rhinos the lead moments later.

Gareth Ellis' pass seemed to have been knocked on by a Leeds hand over the line, but referee Phil Bentham allowed play to continue and Matt Diskin reacted quickly to touch down, Kevin Sinfield landing the first of his three goals.

The Super League champions had an escape in the next set when Ben Rogers' grubber kick hit a post, but Beau Champion spilled the rebound.
Rhinos doubled their lead on 16 minutes, on the counter-attack.

Lee Smith intercepted Rogers' pass near the Rhinos line and slipped out a quick ball to Clinton Toopi, who turned play inside to Brent Webb and he glided 90 metres for a spectacular score, converted by Sinfield.

Six minutes later, Rob Burrow, Webb and Toopi worked the ball to Danny McGuire, he kicked ahead, Diskin hacked on and as the ball stood up in-goal Burrow blasted past a static defence to grab Leeds' third converted try.

Moments later Keith Senior cruised through a big gap close to the line, then a dazzling handling move culminated in Luke Burgess' drive and pass to Burrow, who kicked to the corner, Senior was taken out, but Scott Donald followed up to plant the ball down.

With many of Rhinos' big names off the field Souths' fightback left Leeds shocked. First, prop Michael Greenfield broke clear and kicked over the Leeds line, with Rogers diving in for the try, converted by Eddie Paea.

Then Issac Luke sped over for a dazzling solo try from acting-half, with the scrum-half again adding the extras.

Senior was dragged down just short on a rare attack for Leeds.
Seconds later Jordan Tansey fed Lauitiiti and his pass put Senior through, but he knocked-on over the line.

After the third-quarter break, Souths struck again when Paea exploited some weak defence in midfield, Luke booting the goal to cut Rhinos' lead to eight points.

Only a stunning Carl Ablett tackle denied Souths' Eddie Pettybourne, then Nick Scruton somehow halted Paea an inch short.

As the hooter sounded George Ndaira scooted over for Souths' fourth try, adding the goal with the final play of the game.

Leeds Rhinos: Webb, Donald, Toopi, Senior, Smith, McGuire, Burrow, Leuluai, Diskin, Peacock, Jones-Buchanan, Ellis, Sinfield. Subs Lauitiiti, Kirke, Ablett, Scruton, Gibson, Tansey, Hall, Williams, Burgess, Kaye, Haley.
South Sydney Rabbitohs: Champion, Paulson, Talanoa, Gordon, Hegarty, Rogers, Paea, Greenfield, Luke, Manuokafoa, Stuart, B Lowe, Sutton. Subs Falloon, Huihahau, J Lowe, Pettybourne, Simpson, Barnes, Tamanika, Ndaira, McPherson.
Referee: Phil Bentham (Warrington).