All in all, it’s been a surreal week for Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR. And it won’t stop on game day.
Both Super League teams begin a packed day of rugby league action on Saturday with three matches at the 60,000-capacity Allegiant Stadium.
Home to the Las Vegas Raiders, the stadium is one of the most high-spec, modern stadiums in the world and has hosted the Super Bowl, Taylor Swift’s Elas Tour, and many other large-scale events.
It was built as an arena, an event space, and Leeds and Hull KR’s remit is to entertain in the way that so many have done on this pitch.
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Thousands of fans gathered on Fremont Street in Las Vegas for Hull KR vs. Leeds Rhinos. Watch the match live on Sky Sports from 11pm on Saturday 28th February.
For Chris Hankinson, this is an opportunity he will only realize once the situation settles down.
“It’s surreal. Everyone tells you to immerse yourself in this world, but I think it’s a little difficult because it’s so overwhelming,” Rhinos Center said.
“Even that crowd on Fremont Street last night, the Leeds fans were surrounding where we got off, so they just bumped into Hull KR coming through. It was amazing.”
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Ash Hundley and Elliot Minchella speak to Brian Carney as Super League takes over Fremont Street in Las Vegas on Saturday ahead of Hull KR v Leeds Rhinos.
Hankinson has been in great form in pre-season and Leeds’ opening two games, impressing fans and the head coach.
However, in the game against Las Vegas, captain Ash Hundley was on the bench as he returned from injury.
Head coach Brad Arthur praised Hankinson’s decision and said the player himself is used to playing such a role.
“It’s not something I’m unfamiliar with because I’ve experienced it at my previous club,” he added. “Team first should always be the way it is.”
A chance to shine on Saturday is also intriguing for Harry Newman, who will be in his final year at Leeds before heading to new NRL franchise Perth Bears in 2027.
He knows it is an opportunity to impress a large number of players, coaches and spectators from Australia, but he remains focused on delivering his job at his current club.
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Australian Rugby League Board chairman Peter Brandis praised the impact the games being played in Las Vegas have had on the competition.
“It’s obviously going to be a tough game against world champions Hull KR,” Newman said.
“I’m looking forward to it, we’re confident as a group and want to perform to the best of our ability.
“We have a lot of guys here from the NRL so it would be nice to go out there and play well, but my priority is to play well for Leeds and finish the way I want.
“I think Lachie (Miller) will do well on this course and Jake (Conner) will lead us around the park.
“We have some outstanding players and they are just as good, so it should be a great and entertaining game.”
2026 Super League – Important dates and highlights
Rugby League in Las Vegas: Saturday 28th February: Hull KR v Leeds Rhinos, 11pm (Sky Sports) Super League 30th Birthday: Thursday 26th March: Castleford Tigers v Bradford Bulls, 8pm (Sky Sports) Rivals Round: 3rd April to 5th April Super League in Paris: Saturday 6th June: Catalan Dragons v Wigan Warriors (Paris); 6:30 UK (Sky Sports) Magic Weekend: 4th July – 5th July Rivals Round Overturn: 23rd July – 26th July Elimination Playoffs: 19th September – 20th September Playoff Semi-Finals: 26th September – 27th September Grand Final: 3rd October, Old Trafford.
Sky Sports will continue to broadcast every Super League match live this season. Exclusively live, including two matches from each round, the remaining five matches will be shown weekly on Sky Sports+.
