One of Charles Dickens’ most quoted lines is ‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.’ That’s the best way to sum up Hull KR vs Leeds Rhinos in Las Vegas.
However, unlike Dickens’ novel, this was not ‘A Tale of Two Cities’, but rather a story from Las Vegas where Leeds Rhinos made their Betfred Super League statement.
It was a truly memorable night for Leeds. It was a night where Brad Arthur had to deliver for the event.
Hull KR had 10 attempts as they were completely rudderless with Leeds’ spine charging at full speed and their forwards gaining ground.
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Leeds players celebrate with fans traveling to Las Vegas after defeating Hull KR.
Maika Sivo, who scored four of the 10 goals, got his reward after waiting a year to make his mark in Super League. His Leeds debut was delayed due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury after sending his family away in 2025, but he has now scored six tries in two games.
The Leeds side have proven wins but are inexperienced in big games. In Las Vegas they showed they can do it.
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Leeds’ Maika Sivo scored four tries in a superb performance against Hull KR in Las Vegas.
While Sivo grabbed the headlines, Jake Connor also deserves praise. He doggedly manipulated Robbins and, true to his character, enjoyed running the show and putting KR on edge, keeping his cool.
That serenity has helped rattle, mystify and cause trouble for Hull KR in a way you don’t often see.
Hull KR beat Brisbane. Leeds beat Hull KR. They needed to make a statement that they could be Super League contenders.
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Sivo barges in for the opening game in Las Vegas.
“We wanted to do ourselves and our fans proud and do the competition justice,” Arthur said.
“We got the opportunity to represent Super League and represent Leeds Rhinos.
“We traveled to thousands of fans and saw the support, so we didn’t expect it to end the way it did, but I was looking forward to the strength, stamina and real hunger our boys showed.
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Sivo makes a big break downfield and moves wide open for Ryan Hall to cruise through.
“This is just a thank you for the great opportunity. We had a prom.
“What I really wanted to see was a big event.
“This is the biggest event our players have ever played in. As a group, this is the first time we have played in such a big event since I have played.
“In the past we might have been nervous and a little anxious in those situations, but that wasn’t the case today, so I hope it’s a step in the right direction for us.”
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Sivo scores his fourth attempt in Las Vegas.
Throughout the week, Liz experienced big moments like Fremont Street, fan signings and the UFC, but despite the bright lights, she constantly reiterated that she was here because she had a job to do. Thanks to their hard work, I am confident they will leave Vegas having had the ‘best time’ with their teammates.
For Hull KR, it’s the complete opposite story. They experienced a bright light and felt dazzled by it. They were on top of the world and walked down Fremont Street as the kings of rugby league.
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Brodie Croft extends Leeds Rhinos’ lead over Hull KR in Las Vegas.
They now leave Las Vegas bottom of the table with zero points still in the Super League and have questions to answer when they head to Huddersfield next week.
It’s a reminder that after winning four titles, low moments still happen for Robbins. Now it’s about how they bounce back from something pretty big.
They need to sit together as a team and lick their wounds from one of their ‘worst times’.
How they react to it will determine how and when they experience their ‘best time’ once again.
2026 Super League – Key dates and things to watch out for
- Super League 30th Anniversary: Thursday March 26th: Castleford Tigers v Bradford Bulls8pm (sky sports)
- Rival Round: April 3 – April 5
- Paris Super League: Saturday June 6th: Catalan Dragons v Wigan Warriors (Paris)6:30 UK (sky sports)
- Magic Weekend: July 4th – July 5th
- Rival Round Reversal: July 23rd – July 26th
- Elimination playoffs: September 19th – September 20th
- playoff semifinals: September 26 ~ September 27
- Grand Finals: October 3, Old Trafford.
sky sports We will be broadcasting live again every Super League match this season. Two matches from each round will be broadcast exclusively live, while the remaining five matches will be shown weekly on Sky Sports+.
