Hull KR captain Elliot Minchella has had a memorable week but now knows he has to get back to reality when they face Leeds Rhinos at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, despite being in Las Vegas.
Hull KR landed in Las Vegas on the back of an historic World Club Challenge victory over the Brisbane Broncos, allowing them to qualify for the NRL-dominated event as the team fresh from beating Best.
This made the Robins world champions, and they also won the Grand Final, Challenge Cup and League Leaders’ Shield, rounding out an impressive trophy run.
It was another history-making moment for Hull KR, who had a memorable year under Willie Peters.
However, in Super League terms, they need to start the season after a shock loss to York Knights in the opening game. That means you’ll be heading to Las Vegas with zero competitive points.
That’s why Minchella is focused on the task at hand and making sure the “bright lights” of Sin City aren’t a factor.
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Hull KR wingers Tom Davis and Noah Booth ride the Slotzilla zip line at Fremont Street in Las Vegas
“It’s ridiculous to be honest, it’s just bigger and better than anything we’ve seen before and they’ve done pretty well here,” Minchella told Sky Sports.
“It’s a bit surreal, but I looked out my bedroom window and there was a big advertisement right next to the hotel for every NRL game and every Super League game going on.
“We have to take it all in and not get too caught up in the big bright lights. That’s what all the fans have to do and I know they’re going to have fun while they’re here. But as players we have to get the balance right that we’re here for what we’re here for and that’s to get the two points.”
“Right now we are at zero, but we want to be at two on Saturday night.
“As a group, it’s about backing it up. We’re pretty good at getting things done and we know we’ll always come back next week or whatever comes next. So we’d like to add this to our collection, if you like.”
“It’s a one-shot game here, but it’s two points, to be honest, it’s two points.
“I want to win because I have zero points.”
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Leeds Rhinos stars Ryan Hall and Harry Newman took a tour of the Las Vegas Strip in a military hammer, soaking up all the sights and sounds of the iconic city
While focused on the task at hand, Minchella and his team will arrive in Las Vegas with a trophy that the NRL has failed to win in its previous three attempts.
He acknowledged that it’s great to be able to make that statement on a platform as big as Las Vegas.
“Thursday night was fun and of course we traveled to London on Saturday and flew here on Sunday so we can move on to the next thing quickly,” he added.
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Hull KR beat Brisbane Broncos to win World Club Challenge
“That’s what we’re very good at as a club, is not to get too excited about wins and not like ourselves too much.
“And even if we lose, it’s important that we don’t get discouraged. We’re pretty good at shutting it down and taking the next step.
“There’s no better week to be here than to do that, so it was really good for us.
“It’s very nice[to make a statement like this]. It’s part of what we did, what we achieved last week.”
“It was an unbelievable thing and a memory that will stay with us forever. We went out there trying to win that game, but a lot of people weren’t excited about us and we were downplayed a lot. So when you’re the underdog, it always tastes a little bit sweeter.”
“What a feeling it was, but like I said, we’re moving on to the next goal, which is against Leeds on Saturday and it’s an incredible stadium.”
Hundley: We want to prove ourselves in this big moment.
Hull KR will face the Rhinos, who defeated the Robins home and away in Super League in 2025.
For Leeds captain Ash Hundley, this is a chance to put into action what he wants to achieve this year while marking a big moment for the club.
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Leeds Rhinos’ Jarrod O’Connor, Danny Levi and Cameron Smith all joined Brian Carney ahead of the game against Hull KR at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas
“It’s a huge thing for our sport to have it in a place like this in America, to have branding everywhere and people shouting about it and making noise about rugby league and how great it is,” Hundley said.
“It’s been great, I’m really liking it so far and I’m looking forward to this week.
“Obviously they are at the top of their game at the moment, winning everything and coming off a big win against Brisbane.
“This year we want to prove ourselves with actions, not words, and show what we can do this year, and there is no better opponent to do that than the reigning champions.
“When I look back on this year of my career, I think it’s a great thing to be here and to be able to do this.
“It’s a big thing for the sport and for the club.”
2026 Super League – Important dates and highlights
Rugby League in Las Vegas: Saturday 28 February: Hull KR v Leeds Rhinos, 11pm (Sky Sports) Super League 30th Birthday: Thursday 26 March: Castleford Tigers v Bradford Bulls, 8pm (Sky Sports) Rivals Round: 3-5 April Super League in Paris: Saturday 6 June: Catalan Dragons v Wigan Warriors (Paris); 6:30 UK (Sky Sports) Magic Weekend: July 4-5 Rivals Round Overturn: July 23-26 Elimination Play-Offs: September 19-20 Play-Off Semi-Finals: September 26-27 Grand Final: October 3, 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+.
