Alan Shearer's double strike denied Leeds a shock victory and maintained his remarkable scoring record against the Elland Road side.
Leeds were clinging to a 2-1 advantage with goals from Mark Viduka and Alan Smith when Shearer equalised with two minutes left. It took his career tally of goals against Leeds to 19, but Peter Reid's new-look side took immense credit from the draw.
They have unearthed an exciting talent in Lamine Sakho, who received a standing ovation on being substituted after an hour. The left-footed Senegalese, who is on a year's loan from Marseille, gave them a new dimension on his debut, his silky skills posing problems galore for Newcastle's defence.
Lee Bowyer, booed mercilessly on his return to Elland Road, had the satisfaction of helping to set up Newcastle's 20th minute opener.
The former Leeds midfielder combined with Craig Bellamy on the right and as Kieron Dyer ran on to Craig Bellamy's pass into the box he was tripped by Lucas Radebe.
That enabled Shearer to lash home the penalty and Newcastle were off to a flier.
Reid was dissatisfied with his team's attitude in pre-season but there was nothing wrong with their passion or character as they equalised four minutes after Shearer's penalty.
Jody Morris picked out fellow close-season signing Sakho who entered the penalty box before the talented Senegalese tapped the ball back for Viduka to strike a low right-foot drive wide of Shay Given just inside the near post for his 14th goal in ten games.
It fully justified Reid's decision to pick Viduka despite their recent fall-out on the training ground.
And when Olivier Bernard played a suicidal backpass to Smith on 57 minutes the striker whose future has been the subject of intense speculation took full advantage, firing into the far corner with Given stranded.
One of the biggest cheers was reserved for David Batty who left the bench on 74 minutes for his first Premiership appearance in 16 months, but when Leeds couldn't clear Nolberto Solano's cross, Shearer poached the close-range equaliser.