Veteran second-rower Ali Lauitiiti was among the try-scorers as Wakefield Wildcats grabbed a 24-22 victory from the jaws of defeat in their 2015 Super Legaue opener at Castleford Tigers on Sunday.
The home side looked to be cruising to victory in the concluding game of first-round action but 35-year-old former Warriors star Lauitiiti and Danny Washbrook crossed in the final six minutes to steal the points.
Denny Solomona had scored twice and Luke Gale was on target in reply to Paul McShane’s try as Castleford led 16-6 at the interval.
Justin Carney’s try looked to have Wakefield beaten, but Pita Godinet started the comeback in the 65th minute before the late drama.
Former South Sydney star Fetuli Talanoa, who spent eight years in the NRL, got the ball rolling by scoring the opening try for Hull FC as they enjoyed a 19-0 victory at Huddersfield Giants.
There was no such joy for their city rivals however, with Hull Kingston Rovers succumbing to a thrilling 40-30 defeat at home to Leeds Rhinos.
Tom Briscoe crossed inside 60 seconds, but tries from former Gold Coast and Cronulla half Albert Kelly, either side of Mitch Allgood’s score, turned the game in Hull’s favour by the 15th minute.
Leeds were right back in the contest with tries through the irrepressible Kevin Sinfield and Danny McGuire, but ex-Canberra Raider Terry Campese scored Hull’s fourth try, two minutes before the interval, to give them a 24-16 lead.
Kris Welham scored again shortly after the restart, but Leeds claimed victory with tries from McGuire, Kallum Watkins, Zak Hardaker and replacement Brad Singleton.
Warrington Wolves coach Tony Smith oversaw an Ashton Sims inspired 22-8 defeat of Salford City Reds on Saturday.
The Fijian, signed from North Queensland Cowboys, lit up the Halliwell Jones Stadium with a bullish display as new teammates Richie Myler, Mickey Higham, Ryan Atkins and Rhys Evans all ran in tries.
Stefan Ratchford came back to haunt his old club with three goals, while Salford debutant Ben Jones-Bishop dotted down twice.
Reigning champions St Helens kicked off their campaign with an 18-7 victory over Catalan Dragons on Friday, despite trailing by a point at halftime, with Atelea Vea scoring eight minutes into his Saints debut.
The Super League season had begun with a bang on Thursday after 12-man Widnes Vikings held Wigan Warriors to a 22-22 draw.
A double from Anthony Gelling after Joel Tomkins had run in the first try of the season, gave Wigan a commanding lead.
But despite being a man light after Samoa wing Patrick Ah Van saw red for a high tackle on Josh Charnley, Joe Mellor hit back before halftime.
Rhys Hanbury and Joe Burgess crossed for either side, before Cameron Phelps and replacement Chris Dean completed a fine comeback.
