Super League champions Leeds enjoyed a winning start to their title defence by beating Crusaders 34-6 at a snowbound Racecourse Ground in Wrexham on Friday.

The Crusaders had matched their illustrious visitors for an hour and were level at 6-6 before Leeds stepped up a gear in front of an encouraging crowd of 10,334 at the north Wales venue.

Crusaders took a fourth-minute lead with a penalty from Michael Witt and were level at the interval after a try from Gareth Raynoruntil answered Scott Donald's early effort for the champions.

Leeds's greater penetration and preparation eventually told with five tries coming in the final quarter from Ali Lauitiiti (2), Brett Delaney, Kevin Sinfield and man-of-the-match Danny McGuire.

Meanwhile, new Harlequins skipper Chad Randall believes the hurt of missing out on a play-off place last season will be all the incentive they need in the new season.

Quins haven't reached the end of season play-offs since 2005 and missed out on a place in the top eight by just four points last term.

New-look Wakefield are the visitors to the Twickenham Stoop on Saturday with ex-Parramatta Eels forward Glenn Morrison a notable addition to their squad from Bradford.

But Randall insists Quins fear no-one and have the potential to be the surprise package this season.

"I can see this club being really strong but we need to get off to a good start," said Randall, who is set to start his fifth season at the club after joining from Manly in 2005.

"We are disappointed about what happened last year but we've got into the play-offs before so I'm positive we can do it again."

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