Hull KR opened the Super League with two wins from two games, defeating Leeds Rhinos.
The visiting team scored first thanks to Harry Newman, but after Sauaso Su canceled out the goal, the hosts never lost.
Ryan Hall crossed after the break and a great try from Ash Hundley cut the gap to just two points.
However, New Zealand fullback Peta Hiku scored a late touchdown to secure victory for the Robins.
There is optimism in Hull's east side that they can build on last year's fourth place finish and Challenge Cup runners-up spot.
The result is yet another result for Willie Peters' side, who defeated city rivals Hull FC in their season opener seven days ago.
The Rhinos suffered a setback with new full-back Lachlan Miller withdrawing due to illness before kick-off, allowing youngster Alfie Edger to make his full debut.
However, taking advantage of Hiku's early yellow card for a professional foul, Newman took the lead thanks to some sharp handling from James Bentley and Brodie Croft.
The visitors had the upper hand at this point, but Suh scored the Robins' first try by touching down when Jez Litten's grubber returned to the base of the post.
However, controversy arose on the stroke of half-time as Rhinos forward James Donaldson was guilty of a high shot on Oliver Gildart.
Many expected a red card given the sport's attempts to reduce head contact during tackles, but referee Jack Smith decided there was enough mitigation to warrant a yellow. did.
After Donaldson left the pitch, he extended Hull KR's lead with his first try of 2024 against Hall's old club, showing the veteran winger still has formidable decisiveness even at 36 years old.
But just when it looked like the Robins were on the ropes, half-back Croft showed why he could be such an important addition for Leeds following his move from Salford Red Devils.
Croft made just two tackles into his own half, found space and just kicked the ball, which Hundley caught and finished from inside his own half for a wonderful try.
However, another yellow card, this time on Samoan prop Sam Lissonné for a high tackle, derailed Leeds' momentum.
Hiku then left the field and scored his first try for the hosts, sealing their success and inflicting their first defeat on the Rhinos following their first win against Salford.
Hull KR head coach Willie Peters told BBC Radio Humberside:
“It was a tough game. The conditions and the field were terrible. There were some errors and I think it was bad, but it's a game we want to win and it hurts when we don't win.
“We needed to be better in the second half and we talked about that. I was really happy with how our guys found the energy and found a way.”
Regarding the yellow cards, he added: “If you get hit in the head area, you have to wait and see. You have to look more closely, but maybe they were justified.”
Leeds Rhinos head coach Rohan Smith told BBC Radio Leeds:
“It was a tough, very competitive match on a very heavy track and credit to both teams for some of the football that was played.
“We greatly limited the opponents' chances, competed well, overcame several obstacles during the match and defended bravely with 12 men in the second division.”
Regarding the two yellow cards, he said: “This is how the game goes. I don't know about the second one. We are encouraging everyone to do more. Everyone has their arms in the air. “The crowd is up in arms. We're focused on, 'Can we win a penalty and incriminate someone?'
Hull KR: Draw. Ebbals, Opacic, Gildart, R. Hall. May, Lewis. Whitbread, Litten, King, Tanginoa, Batchelor, Minchella.
Interchange: Stolton, Sue, Aydin, C. Hall.
Sin bin: Minute (6).
Leeds: Edgell; Roberts, Newman, Momilovsky, Hundley. Croft, Flory. Sangaret, Ackers, Goudemand, Bentley, Martin, Smith.
Interchange: Donaldson, O'Connor, Risonne, Luan.
Sin bin: Donaldson (40), Risonne (67).
Referee: Jack Smith.
