Leeds Rhinos have earned a convincing 46-14 victory over York Knights, and they head to Las Vegas with a brilliant attacking display under their belts.
Ryan Hall was one of seven different try scorers on the night. The Leeds legend crossed twice, as he rolled back the years to put on a vintage display.
The Rhinos gave debuts to Maika Sivo and Jeremiah Mata’utia, as Jake Connor, Keenan Palasia and Cameron Smith all made their return to the side.
York couldn’t back up their excellent win over Hull KR last week, in what was a harsh reality check in their first Super League campaign.
Here are the major talking points from the game, as the Rhinos claim their first win of the 2026 league campaign.
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Leeds Rhinos v York Knights Talking Points
Sivo returns:
After 390 days. Fijian international Maika Sivo made his return to the pitch, and was welcomed with a cheer of support by the Headingley faithful on a number of occasions.
The South Stand were undoubtedly at their loudest when the former Parramatta man crossed for a debut try, as he scored in typical Sivo fashion by charging over his opponent – in this case Ben Jones-Bishop.
His first tackle saw him come off second best, and he looked to pick up a rib injury, but he managed to carry on for the remainder of the game.
Veterans stand out:
Club legends Hall and Kallum Watkins put on classic displays, and helped the Rhinos to the convincing victory.
As mentioned, Hall scored twice, whilst Watkins could have gone over if not for a video referee decision, whilst he also bagged an assist for Chris Hankinson’s try.
Meanwhile, whilst it wasn’t the performance of eight days ago, York still had some shining lights, two of whom were the experienced Paul McShane and Paul Vaughan.
The latter scored the club’s first try, powering over from close range, whilst former Man of Steel McShane also showed his class, leading the team around the field.
When he departed on 28 minutes, Leeds began to turn on the heat, and a 12-minute spell before half-time helped the Rhinos to their victory.
He returned in the second half, and whilst it wasn’t enough to provide a comeback, the Knights certainly looked more secure with him on the field.
Knights injury concern:
Not only were they outplayed, but York have an injury concern to deal with. New signing Sam Wood was hobbling for the majority of the second half.
Despite being treated multiple times by the physios, the former Castleford man stayed on, but both Mark Applegarth and the York faithful will be hoping he will be fit for round three.
New rules in action:
For the first time in Super League, the new video referee rules came into play. Leeds were denied a try for Kallum Watkins, but after the score was awarded by on-field referee James Vella, it was overturned by Jack Smith for obstruction.
The Rhinos had deemed to impede a York defender, blocking them from getting to the back rower. Super League have taken the NRL’s video referee system into 2026, in a bid to speed up play.
Rhinos show attacking flair:
Leeds put on a free-flowing and eye-catching display, as they looked their attacking best. Lachie Miller, Brodie Croft and Jake Connor all played their part, as Leeds scored their most points at Headingley since they beat Leigh 48-30 in June last year.
Brad Arthur wants his side to play that style of rugby, but on too many occasions it just doesn’t connect. They didn’t have that problem tonight, as they put in a dominant showing.
All eyes on Vegas:Â
Leeds now head to Las Vegas, where they take on newly-crowned World Champions, Hull KR. They will head into that game full of confidence, and Brad Arthur will no doubt be happy with how his side performed.
Super League will again be on the big stage, and given how both sides have performed this week, the Rhinos-Robins clash is set to be a cracker.
