It’s honest to say it has been a surreal week as an entire for Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR – and that isn’t going to cease when it will get to sport day.
The 2 Tremendous League sides open a bumper day of rugby league motion on Saturday with three matches on the 60,000 seater Allegiant Stadium.
Residence to the Las Vegas Raiders, it is likely one of the most excessive spec, fashionable stadia on this planet, having hosted a SuperBowl, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and plenty of extra large occasions.
It was constructed as an area, as an occasion house, and the duty for Leeds and Hull KR is to entertain in the best way so many have earlier than on this pitch.
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1000’s of followers congregated on Fremont Road in Las Vegas within the construct as much as Hull KR vs Leeds Rhinos. Watch the match dwell on Sky Sports activities on Saturday February 28 from 11pm.
For Chris Hankinson, it is a chance that may solely sink in as soon as the mud settles.
“It is surreal. Everyone says to soak it up but I think it is a bit hard to because it is so overwhelming,” the Rhinos centre stated.
“Even last night on Fremont Street with that crowd – the Leeds fans were surrounding where we came off so you just got hit by Hull KR coming through, which was great.”
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Ash Handley and Elliot Minchella converse to Brian Carney because the Tremendous League takes over Fremont Road in Las Vegas forward of Hull KR’s conflict with Leeds Rhinos, on Saturday.
Hankinson has been in stellar kind in pre-season and the opening two matches for Leeds, actually impressing followers and his head coach.
Nevertheless, he drops to the bench for the Vegas conflict as captain Ash Handley makes his return from damage.
Head coach Brad Arthur counseled Hankinson on how nicely he had taken the choice, and the participant himself says he’s used to taking part in such a job.
“I have had it before at a previous club so it is not something I am unfamiliar with,” he added. “Team-first is the way it has to be always.”
The prospect to shine on Saturday can be an intriguing one for Harry Newman, who’s in his final 12 months with Leeds earlier than heading to new NRL franchise Perth Bears for 2027.
Whereas he is aware of it is a chance to impress the hordes of gamers, coaches, and spectators over from Australia, he says he’s staying centered on doing his job for his present membership.
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Peter V’landys, Chairperson of the Australian Rugby League Fee, has praised the impression the video games being performed in Las Vegas have had on the competitors.
“Obviously it is going to be a tough game against the world champions Hull KR,” Newman stated.
“I am looking forward to it. We are confident as a group and we are looking to put in our best performance.
“There are lots of people from the NRL right here so it will be good to exit and play nicely, however my first precedence is taking part in nicely for Leeds and ending off in the best way that I wish to.
“I think Lachie (Miller) will go well on this track, Jake (Connor) will steer us around the park.
“We’ve bought some excellent gamers however so have they as nicely, so it ought to make for an incredible entertaining sport.”
2026 Super League – key dates and what to look out for
- Rugby League in Las Vegas: Sat Feb 28: Hull KR vs Leeds Rhinos, 11pm (Sky Sports)
- Super League’s 30th birthday: Thu Mar 26: Castleford Tigers vs Bradford Bulls, 8pm (Sky Sports)
- Rivals Round: April 3-April 5
- Super League in Paris: Sat Jun 6: Catalans Dragons vs Wigan Warriors (Paris), 6:30 UK (Sky Sports)
- Magic Weekend: July 4-July 5
- Rivals Round reversed: July 23-July 26
- Elimination Play-offs: September 19-September 20
- Play-off semi-finals: September 26-September 27
- Grand Final: October 3, Old Trafford.
Sky Sports will again show every game of the Super League live this season – including two matches in each round exclusively live, with the remaining five matches each week shown on Sky Sports activities+
