Leeds Rhinos secure dominant win against Hull KR at Headingley
The Leeds Rhinos secured a significant 34-8 victory over reigning champions Hull KR at Headingley. The match saw Maika Sivo contribute two tries, bringing his season total to 27 in the Super League. This win extended the Rhinos’ lead at the top of the table by two points.
The fixture also served as Leeds’ annual Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Awareness game, featuring pre-match tributes to club legend Rob Burrow, who passed away in 2024. The emotional occasion was met with a strong performance from the Rhinos, who delivered their fifth consecutive win and followed up a 34-6 victory against Warrington Wolves a week prior.
Rhinos’ Dominant Performance
The game began with intense exchanges, leading to injuries for Hull KR’s Tom Amone and Dean Hadley after a head clash. Amone managed to return with bandages, but Hadley failed his head injury assessment and will miss the upcoming derby against Hull FC at Magic Weekend. This added to Hull KR’s injury concerns, which already included the absence of Joe Burgess, Sauaso Sue, and Sam Luckley for this match.
After an initial period where Jake Connor and Rhyse Martin exchanged penalties, Connor set up Chris Hankinson for Leeds’ first try of the night. Sivo then scored his first try, contributing to Leeds’ 18-2 half-time lead. Hull KR’s Martin was also sent to the sin-bin during this period.
Sivo scored again after the break, further extending Leeds’ advantage. Although Noah Booth managed a try for Hull KR, Connor added a fourth try for Leeds before the hour mark. Ash Handley then completed the scoring for the Rhinos, with his try earning him his 500th Super League point.
Coaches’ Reactions and Season Implications
Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur praised his team’s bravery, particularly in the context of the MND awareness round. He noted the team’s ability to withstand early pressure and dominate collisions, despite acknowledging areas for improvement. Arthur expressed satisfaction with the strong win against a formidable opponent.
Hull KR head coach Willie Peters acknowledged the adversity faced by his team, including early injuries to front-row players. Despite the defeat, Peters expressed pride in his team’s effort for large periods against the league leaders. He highlighted the impact of turnovers, noting that 13 or 14 errors contributed to their low possession rate and ultimately, the scoreline.
This crushing defeat for Hull KR occurred just three days after the confirmation that Nathan Cayless will replace Peters as head coach at the end of the season. Peters is set to join the Papua New Guinea Chiefs in the National Rugby League. The loss served as a reminder of the challenge Hull KR faces in their quest for back-to-back titles, especially after a 58-6 defeat to Leeds in Las Vegas earlier in the season.
For Leeds, the victory further solidified their position as title contenders. Their performance, particularly from players like Connor, who contributed two assists and a try, has drawn attention. Connor’s display has led to speculation about a potential spot in the England squad for the upcoming World Cup. Sivo’s try tally for the season now places him two clear of Lewis Martin’s previous record of 25 for Hull FC last year, with Denny Solomona’s all-time record of 40 in a season now within sight.
The Rhinos have now won all seven of their home fixtures this season, demonstrating their strength on home soil. This latest win against Hull KR follows a strong run of nine wins from their last ten matches, propelling them to the top of the Super League table.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
Reuben Castle is the Sports News Writer at News GB, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with six years of reporting experience. He moved from print into digital sport news. He holds a degree in Journalism from Coventry University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Coventry, he follows the Open Championship and amateur boxing. “Accuracy first; the analysis can follow.”
