Super League champions Leeds Rhinos held off a dramatic second-half fightback to flex their muscles for the new season with 25-24 victory over Russell Crowe's South Sydney in their exhibition match in Jacksonville.

The Rhinos, who launch the defence of their title against Hull KR next Saturday, turned on the style for their American audience with a powerful first-half performance that rounded off their 10-day training camp in Florida.

Trailing 26-0 at half-time, the under-strength Rabbitohs delighted their co-owner Crowe - among the 12,500 crowd on Australia Day - with a brave comeback that left the Englishmen sweating on the outcome.

Leeds, fielding their Grand Final team, made light of cool conditions at Hodges Stadium to stamp their authority on the game with an early try from hooker Matt Diskin from an offload by Great Britain second rower Gareth Ellis.

Full-back Brent Webb sprinted 80 metres for a try following an interception by winger Lee Smith and scrum-half Rob Burrow, centre Keith Senior and winger Scott Donald also touched down before the break, with captain Kevin Sinfield converting three of the tries.

The Rabbitohs struck back with converted tries from stand-off Ben Rogers and hooker Issac Luke early in the second half as the momentum swung the way of the Australians.

Ali Lauitiiti and Senior both went close as Leeds briefly stemmed the onslaught but Souths scrum-half Eddie Paea nipped in for a third try in the third quarter and Luke's second conversion cut the gap to just eight points.

Debutant half-back George Ndaira then added a fourth try for the Australian side but there was time for the re-start as Leeds hung on for victory.

Sporting Life / Eurosport