New Leeds coach Brian McClennan insisted there were positives to take from his first match in charge of the Super League champions, despite them finishing on the wrong end of a 26-18 scoreline.

Wakefield were party poopers in front of a 10,143 Headingley crowd as they ran in five tries to four to bring the Grand Final winners down to earth in their first outing since October's Old Trafford triumph.

Winger Ryan Hall provided consolation for the Rhinos with a try in each half, including a 90-metre interception, and McClennan was impressed by the contribution of the rest of his youthful side.

"All in all, I was pretty pleased," he said. "It was a good test, especially going 16-0 down. It gave me a good chance to see how everybody handled that.

"The biggest problem for us was Wakefield's kicking game. I thought it was outstanding. They really pegged us back and got a couple of tries from kicks. You've got to give credit where it is due.

"They were the better team but we got benefits out of it. We gave the young guys some experience."

Wakefield's former Castleford and Widnes winger Damian Blanch, one of five close-season signings on view for the visitors, caught the eye with a brace of tries.

Stand-off Scott Grix also touched down on his first appearance while half-back partner Danny Brough kicked three goals from four attempts.

"I was very happy indeed with all the new signings," said coach John Kear. "They all had a dig and contributed to the effort.

"Some individuals can feel very pleased with their contributions. I thought it was a very competitive game between two committed teams."

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