Key Points
- Hull KR head coach Willie Peters has described Leeds Rhinos as “the best team in the competition at the moment.”
- The comment came after Hull KR were beaten 34-8 by Leeds Rhinos at AMT Headingley in Betfred Super League round 16.
- Leeds Rhinos are now top of the table and have stretched their lead to two points.
- Hull KR have slipped to sixth in the standings, six points behind Leeds, although they still have a game in hand at home to Warrington Wolves in August.
- Maika Sivo scored two tries for Leeds and took his season tally to 27, while Jake Connor also played a major role in the win.
- The result was another strong statement from Leeds in a season where their form has drawn praise from one of their main rivals.
Leeds Rhinos (The Leeds Times) June 29, 2026, have been backed as likely contenders for the Betfred Super League leaders’ shield after a dominant 34-8 win over Hull KR at Headingley, with Robins head coach Willie Peters saying Brad Arthur’s side are currently “the best team in the competition at the moment”.
What did Willie Peters say about Leeds Rhinos?
As reported by Aaron Bower of the BBC, Peters made the remark after watching his Hull KR side fall to a heavy defeat in Leeds. The BBC reported that Peters viewed the Rhinos as strong enough to be league leaders’ shield winners after their round 16 display. That assessment came in the wake of a match in which Leeds controlled the contest for long periods and widened the gap at the top of the table.
How did Leeds beat Hull KR?
Leeds opened the scoring through Chris Hankinson before Jake Connor added points with the boot and helped keep the pressure on. Maika Sivo then struck twice, with one try in each half, to continue his prolific run and extend his scoring streak.
The BBC reported that Sivo’s two tries took him to 27 for the season and 15 tries across nine consecutive matches, underlining how decisive he has become for Leeds.
Hull KR did briefly respond through Noah Booth, but Leeds answered quickly and remained in control until Ash Handley completed the scoring.
The BBC’s match report noted that Leeds were 18-2 ahead at half-time and that Rhyse Martin’s sin-bin period was a costly moment for the visitors. Hull KR’s own match recap also described the evening as a disappointing one in Leeds.
What does the result mean for the table?
The win moved Leeds further clear at the top and gave them a two-point lead in the title race. Hull KR, the reigning champions, dropped to sixth and are now six points behind Leeds, though they still have a match in hand.
That means the top end of the table remains competitive, but Leeds have strengthened their position at a key stage of the season.
Why has Leeds’ form attracted attention?
Leeds have now produced a performance that one of their closest rivals has publicly recognised as standout standard.
Their attack has been especially effective, with Sivo’s finishing, Connor’s control and the wider team structure combining to produce a convincing victory.
The result also follows a season in which Leeds have already shown they can beat Hull KR convincingly, having won 28-6 earlier in the campaign, according to BBC Sport.
Could Leeds win the leaders’ shield?
Peters’ comments suggest Leeds are being viewed not just as contenders, but as the team to beat at the moment.
Their current league position supports that view, but the race is still alive because Hull KR have a game in hand and other clubs remain within reach.
Even so, a win of this scale against a defending champion sends a clear message about Leeds’ consistency and ambition.
Background of the development
Leeds Rhinos’ rise to the top has been built on a series of strong performances, including previous wins over Hull KR in the same season.
Their meeting at Headingley on 25 June 2026 drew extra attention because it was played during the club’s annual MND Awareness fixture, according to the official match video listing.
The game formed part of a round 16 schedule that has become increasingly important as the regular season moves toward the play-off phase.
Prediction
For Leeds supporters, this result may increase expectations that the team can sustain a genuine title challenge through the final part of the season.
If Leeds keep producing similar attacking displays, they are likely to remain among the strongest candidates for the leaders’ shield and a favourable play-off position. For Hull KR fans, the defeat is a reminder that the champions still have work to do if they are to close the gap and defend their status.
