Leeds brought a few smiles back to their faces after a traumatic week as they edged a tough encounter with Hull at the Kingston Communications Stadium.

Late tries from Francis Cummins and Willie Poching settled a penalty-ridden encounter which came to life in the closing minutes.

Danny McGuire had crossed for Leeds' first try but in a game of few chances a Graeme Horne score revived Hull's hopes late on.

However it was prove too little too late for the Airlie Birds as the Rhinos closed out the game. Skipper Kevin Sinfield finished with seven goals.

The win will be welcomed more than usual at Headingley after a turbulent few days.

Great Britain squad members Chev Walker and Ryan Bailey were jailed on Tuesday before the club announced that coach Daryl Powell would be stepping aside for Huddersfield's Tony Smith for the next two seasons.

Their victory made for another miserable night for Hull, whose hopes of making an impact in the play-offs look like being ruined by the severity of their injury list.

Shaun McRae's side went into the game without 13 senior players and although those holding the fort showed great commitment and effort, it was just not enough.

Leeds had the edge and in many respects they can thank their Sinfield for keeping the ship together.

Sinfield was in outstanding form and his goals proved a crucial contribution to their victory.

In fact it was a Sinfield cross-kick which led to Leeds' first try for young half-back McGuire after just four minutes.

Sinfield's kick looked set to go over the touchline but took a wicked bounce and McGuire was on hand to cut inside and finish.

Sinfield added the goal and kicked two penalties against three penalty goals for Hull's acting skipper Paul Cooke.

Hull had several chances to turn the game around but tries for Peter Lupton and Richard Horne were disallowed.

Sinfield's kicking nudged Leeds further in front before Cummins' effort all but sealed victory for the Rhinos.

Horne reduced the deficit but Poching made sure in the last minute of the game.