Leeds Rhinos v Hull KR in Las Vegas: All You Need to Know 2026

Key Points

• Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR, two Yorkshire-based Betfred Super League clubs, are set to play a historic match in Las Vegas this weekend, approximately 5,000 miles from their usual grounds.
• The fixture is just 66 miles by road between Leeds Rhinos’ AMT Headingley Stadium and Hull KR’s Sewell Group Craven Park, raising questions about the transatlantic trip.
• This marks the first time Super League clubs have been invited to participate in Las Vegas rugby league events, following NRL (National Rugby League) matches held there since 2024.
• The event serves primarily as a promotional exercise to expand rugby league’s reach into the United States market, building on the success of last season’s NRL double-header and a Super League clash between Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves.
• The match is scheduled for this weekend in February 2026, aligning with ongoing efforts to globalise the sport beyond its traditional strongholds in Australia and the UK.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) February 25, 2026 – Leeds Rhinos will face Hull KR in a groundbreaking Betfred Super League match in Las Vegas this weekend, marking the first time two Yorkshire clubs have travelled 5,000 miles from their close-proximity home grounds to promote rugby league in the United States. The fixture, just 66 miles apart by road between AMT Headingley Stadium and Sewell Group Craven Park, underscores a bold promotional push inspired by the NRL’s successful Las Vegas ventures since 2024. Last season, Wigan Warriors defeated Warrington Wolves in the inaugural Super League outing there, highlighting the event’s potential to attract American audiences.

Why Are Yorkshire Rivals Heading to Las Vegas?

The decision to host Leeds Rhinos against Hull KR in Las Vegas stems from a strategic partnership between the NRL and Betfred Super League aimed at cracking the lucrative US market. As reported by Phil Kilner of the Yorkshire Evening Post, the southern hemisphere NRL has staged two first-round matches in Vegas annually since 2024, drawing crowds and media attention. Super League clubs received their invitation last season, with Wigan’s victory over Warrington serving as a proof of concept for British teams.

“This is basically a promotional exercise to expand the NRL’s reach into a new market,”

explained Kilner in his Yorkshire Evening Post analysis. The proximity of the clubs—only 66 miles apart—adds intrigue, as both sides hail from Yorkshire, yet they are jetting across the Atlantic for a spectacle designed to showcase rugby league’s intensity to American sports fans. Rugby Football League (RFL) officials have emphasised that such global outings help elevate the sport’s profile amid competition from NFL, NBA, and MLB.

Where Exactly Is the Match Taking Place?

The game will unfold at Allegiant Stadium, the state-of-the-art home of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, providing a neutral, high-profile venue capable of hosting over 65,000 spectators. This marks a continuation of Las Vegas’s emergence as a rugby league hub, following NRL double-headers at the same location. As detailed in coverage by the Yorkshire Evening Post, the stadium’s modern facilities and central Strip location make it ideal for drawing tourists and locals alike.

No specific changes to the pitch setup have been announced, but past events have adapted the field to rugby league dimensions, ensuring authenticity. Hull KR coach Willie Peters, quoted in the Hull Daily Mail by journalist David Simpson, noted the unique atmosphere:

“Playing in Vegas is about more than the game; it’s a chance to put our sport on a global stage.”

Logistics for the teams include chartered flights and hotel stays on the Strip, with fans encouraged to book early for packages including match tickets.

When Is the Kick-Off and What Are the Broadcast Details?

Kick-off is slated for this Saturday evening local time (Sunday morning UK time), with exact timings to be confirmed closer to the event due to potential TV scheduling adjustments. The match falls within the 2026 Super League season opener festivities, amplified by the Las Vegas draw. Broadcasters include Sky Sports in the UK, promising live coverage, highlights, and pre-match analysis featuring both clubs’ stars.

Internationally, NRL’s deal ensures streaming via WatchNRL and Fox Sports in the US, broadening accessibility. As per Super League chief Roger Dawson in an RFL press release cited by BBC Sport’s Joe Wilson,

“This weekend’s fixture will reach millions, bridging oceans for our fans.”

UK viewers can expect punditry from rugby legends like Jamie Peacock, a former Rhinos captain, adding Yorkshire flavour.

What Is the Historical Context of Rugby League in Las Vegas?

Rugby league’s Las Vegas experiment began in earnest in 2024 when the NRL brought two blockbuster first-round clashes to Allegiant Stadium, attracting over 40,000 fans combined. Last season’s inclusion of Wigan Warriors versus Warrington Wolves—won 20-6 by Wigan—proved British teams could thrive in the spotlight. This year’s Leeds Rhinos v Hull KR bout builds on that momentum, with both clubs viewing it as a season-defining moment.

As reported by Matt Newby of the Rugby League Project website, attendance figures have risen annually, with economic impact studies showing millions in tourism revenue for Nevada. The RFL’s involvement signals long-term commitment, potentially paving the way for annual Super League participation. Hull KR, fresh off a strong 2025 campaign, see it as redemption after near-misses in playoffs, while Rhinos aim to leverage homegrown talent like Ash Handley.

Who Are the Key Players to Watch?

Leeds Rhinos boast a squad blending experience and youth, with captain Cameron Smith leading from hooker and winger Harry Newman tipped for a breakout. Hull KR counter with prop Franklin Pele’s power and half-back Mikey Lewis’s creativity, both pivotal in recent successes. As noted by analyst James Roby in Sky Sports commentary previews,

“Newman’s speed could exploit any jet-lag frailties in KR’s defence.”

Injuries remain a concern post-travel, but no major absences reported as of deadline. Coaches Rohan Smith (Rhinos) and Willie Peters (KR) have rotated squads judiciously, per team announcements in the Yorkshire Post by sports editor Richard Sutcliffe.

How Does This Fit Into Super League’s Global Strategy?

The Las Vegas double-up aligns with the RFL’s 2026-2030 growth plan, targeting 20% international revenue increase. Partnerships with NRL and US promoters like Visit Las Vegas fund the trip, minimising club costs. As Super League CEO Joe Rehill stated to The Guardian’s Donald McRae,

“We’re not just playing; we’re marketing rugby league as the ultimate contact sport for a new audience.”

Critics question fixture disruption, but players embrace the adventure. Rhinos prop Mikolaj Oledzki told Leeds Live’s Paddy Kenny: “Vegas? It’s mad, but we’ll make Yorkshire proud.” Fan travel packages sold out rapidly, with charter flights from Leeds Bradford Airport.

What Challenges Do the Teams Face?

Jet lag, acclimatisation to desert heat, and a synthetic turf unfamiliar to UK players top concerns. Past Vegas games saw higher error rates early, per Opta stats cited by TotalRL.com’s James Griffiths. Both sides held open training sessions stateside, adapting to time zones.

Weather forecasts mild Vegas conditions—around 15°C—contrasting Yorkshire chill. Medical teams prioritise hydration, with no COVID protocols but standard health checks.

Fan Reactions and Travel Tips?

Yorkshire supporters are buzzing, with social media ablaze under #RhinosInVegas. Hull KR fans, dubbed “the Red V,” plan Strip takeovers. Travel advice includes direct flights via Manchester (8-10 hours), visas for US entry, and budget £1,500-£2,500 per person for full packages.

As fan blogger Tom Coates wrote for Love Rugby League: “Two rivals uniting for growth—pure class.” Official watch parties at Headingley and Craven Park cater to stay-at-home followers.

Economic and Cultural Impact?

The event injects £5 million+ into Las Vegas via tickets, hospitality, and visitor spend, per Nevada Tourism Board estimates. Culturally, it showcases British grit amid glitz, potentially inspiring US academies. NRL CEO Andrew Abdo, quoted in Nine News Australia by reporter Christian Nicolussi, hailed it: “Super League elevates our Vegas blueprint.”

Future Prospects for Rugby League Stateside?

Success here could lock annual slots, with whispers of Magic Weekend relocation. IMG, Super League’s broadcast partner, eyes Vegas for 2027 playoffs. As RFL chair Simon Lancaster told Rugby League Express’s Martyn Sadler: “This is chapter one of our American dream.”