Departing Allegiant Stadium weary and without any competition points, Hull KR’s players need only glance at the accompanying World Club Challenge trophy to be reminded of how far they’ve come – and how good they can be. For now, though, their Las Vegas result – and more importantly, their performance – will sting deeply.
Super League 2026 may not have begun as the Robins would have wished, but it has already delivered an historic high. Now the focus must shift to brushing off the desert dust and beginning the climb once more, stepping back onto the treadmill in pursuit of the rugby league summit.
Heavily beaten 58-6 by an impressive Leeds Rhinos side, Sin City left Rovers feeling like so many others who visit the gambling capital of the world – with their pockets picked and seeking the solace of home.
And yet, while it was a disappointing 80 minutes for the 6,000-strong Hull KR supporters who travelled to America, the trip still provided a once-in-a-lifetime experience – a chaotic, unforgettable adventure. From meeting their idols at Resorts World Las Vegas to cheering on their four-title winners during the Fremont Street Experience takeover – which featured Erasure’s Andy Bell performing the club’s official anthem – the occasion carried a sense of spectacle.
On one of rugby league’s biggest-ever stages, Hull KR and Leeds Rhinos held the responsibility of representing Super League in the entertainment capital of the world – but one man stole the show: Maika Sivo.
The Robins had no answer to the powerful winger, who boasts 115 NRL appearances and was making just his second Super League outing after an ACL injury ruled him out for 2025.
Sivo scored four tries in Leeds’ dominant victory and produced one of the standout moments of the Vegas showcase – a stunning length-of-the-field effort from a Leeds goal-line dropout.
Willie Peters’ side made uncharacteristic errors and were exposed defensively by a Leeds outfit that moved the ball with confidence and flair, superbly orchestrated by Jake Connor and Brodie Croft.
The head coach was left fuming, labelling it the “worst performance” of his tenure. He was apologetic to the travelling supporters after watching his side fail to deliver on the big stage and refused to use the previous week’s emotionally charged win over Brisbane Broncos as an excuse.
On a larger scale, it was another one-sided contest on the Vegas stage after Wigan Warriors’ win over Warrington Wolves. But the week has proved that the NRL needs Super League’s involvements in their Vegas extravaganza, with the English fans earning the spotlight for their passionate support.
It will be a long journey back to East Hull, but Rovers have already shown they can scale the heights. Now they must dust themselves down and prepare to respond at Huddersfield as the search for their first two Super League points continues.
Hull KR: Jack Broadbent, Tom Davies, Peta Hiku, Oliver Gildart, Joe Burgess, Mikey Lewis, Tyrone May, Sauaso Sue, Jez Litten, Tom Amone, Dean Hadley, James Batchelor, Elliot Minchella
Bench: Sam Luckley, Jai Whitbread, Rhyse Martin, Karl Lawton
Tries: Burgess (65’)
Goals: Martin 1/1
Leeds Rhinos: Lachie Miller, Maika Sivo, Harry Newman, Ash Handley, Ryan Hall, Brodie Croft, Jake Connor, Cooper Jenkins, Danny Levi, Keenan Palasia, Kallum Watkins, James McDonnell, Cameron Smith.
Bench: Jarrod O’Connor, Tom Holroyd, Chris Hankinson, Ben Littlewood.
Tries: Sivo (8’, 16’, 56’, 69′), Croft (24’, 52’), Palasia (29’), Hall (33’), Jenkins (77’, 78’)
Goals: Connor 6/7, Hankinson 3/3
Hull KR in Las Vegas in association with Hanson Electrical.