Imagine traveling thousands of miles to witness your favorite rugby team in action, only to see them utterly dismantled on the field. That’s exactly what happened to Hull KR fans in Las Vegas, as the Leeds Rhinos delivered a masterclass in dominance, led by the unstoppable Maika Sivo, who single-handedly scored four tries. But here’s where it gets controversial—was Hull KR’s disallowed try in the first half a fair call, or did it unfairly shift the momentum of the game? Let’s dive in.
The match kicked off with Leeds setting the pace, as Croft and Keenan Palasia crossed the line early. But the real showstopper came when Sivo, in a moment of sheer brilliance, collected the ball from under his own posts and sprinted 70 meters, setting up Ryan Hall for a try that left the crowd in awe. Hull KR thought they had a lifeline before halftime, but their try was ruled out for an earlier obstruction—a decision that sparked debate among fans and pundits alike. And this is the part most people miss: Did that call deflate Hull KR’s spirits, paving the way for Leeds’s second-half onslaught?
Leeds showed no mercy in the second period, with Croft adding another try and Sivo completing his hat-trick. Even Joe Burgess’s late consolation try for Hull KR couldn’t stem the tide, as Cooper Jenkins sealed the deal with a double, securing a resounding victory for the Rhinos. The final score? A statement win for Leeds, but a bitter pill for Hull KR.
Hull KR coach Willie Peters didn’t hold back in his post-match comments, expressing sympathy for the fans who had traveled far and wide only to witness such a one-sided affair. ‘We need to look at ourselves,’ he admitted, taking responsibility for the team’s lackluster performance. ‘If this is how we’re going to play this season, it’s going to be a long one.’ Bold statement alert: Is Peters’s criticism justified, or is he being too hard on his team after just one match? Let us know in the comments.
On the flip side, Leeds coach Brad Arthur was all smiles, praising his team’s ‘real hunger’ and their ability to enjoy the game while delivering a dominant performance. ‘We came here to make a statement, and we did just that,’ Sivo told Sky Sports, echoing his coach’s sentiments. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Did Leeds simply outplay Hull KR, or did Hull KR’s own mistakes hand them the victory on a silver platter?
For the rugby enthusiasts, here are the lineups:
Hull KR: Broadbent; Davies, Hiku, Gildart, Burgess; Lewis, May; Sue, Litten, Amone, Hadley, Batchelor, Minchella. Replacements: Luckley, Whitbread, Martin, Lawton.
Leeds Rhinos: Miller; Sivo, Newman, Handley, Hall; Croft, Connor; Jenkins, Levi, Palasia, Watkins, McDonnell, C. Smith. Replacements: O'Connor, Holroyd, Hankinson, Littlewood. Referee: Jack Smith.
As the dust settles on this Las Vegas showdown, one thing is clear: Leeds Rhinos are a force to be reckoned with, and Maika Sivo is a name that will haunt defenders all season. But for Hull KR, it’s back to the drawing board. What’s your take? Did Leeds deserve the win, or did Hull KR let themselves down? Share your thoughts below—let’s keep the debate alive!
