Gomarsall made his home debut for Leeds against Newcastle

Leeds Carnegie director of rugby Andy Key has praised his senior players following their opening day 9-9 draw with Newcastle Falcons.

The Premiership new-boys fielded six debutants, including World Cup-winning scrum-half Andy Gomarsall.

"He and the other senior players were excellent and add the composure we needed," director of rugby Andy Key told BBC Radio Leeds.

"We lacked that at points last season, that wasn't the case today."

Key added: "Last season we panicked at certain points in a game and lost our composure, we didn't this time.

"We had enough about us to realise it takes 80 minutes to win or lose a game and it was us at the end of the match pushing for the win."

Leeds fly-half Ceiron Thomas had a solid debut, kicking well from hand and slotting three from five penalty attempts.

"I think Ceiron will come off the field in confident mood after the game he had and he and the rest of the boys should take confidence from this," said Key.

"He can be very please with efforts and we will be looking for him to build on that now."

Key also praised the 7,144 crowd that came through the Headingley turnstiles.

"It's brilliant to have so many come on watch us and credit to everyone involved.

"We can only just ask that they return for the London Irish game in two weeks time and for the rest of the home games this season."

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