With both teams missing pivotal players, Rhinos hit back from 10-6 down at the break to secure a victory which boosted their hopes of a top-six finish.
It was Leeds' third successive Magic Weekend win and Tigers' first defeat at Newcastle's St James' Park.
Here's how the Rhinos players rated, plus marks for Tigers and the referee.
7. Aidan Sezer (No 7)
Fittingly, Rhinos' number seven had a fine game as loner specialist half, ran well with the ball and was a constant threat 8 Photo: Will Palmer/SWpix.com
9. Jarrod O’Connor (No 24)
Not a specialist hooker, but his distribution was good and he defended strongly 7 Photo: Phil Daly/Leeds Rhinos via SWpix.com
10. Matt Prior (No 10)
Opened the scoring with a well-taken try and put in two solid spells 7 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
11. James Bentley (No 11)
Scored a fine try, kept his head and got through a lot of work 8 Photo: Will Palmer/SWpix.com
12. Rhyse Martin (12)
One outstanding break and was effective in the second-row and at centre 7 Photo: Will Palmer/SWpix.com