Key Points
- Maika Sivo made his long-awaited Leeds Rhinos debut, scoring two tries and earning man-of-the-match honours in a 46-14 victory over York Knights at AMT Headingley on February 20, 2026.
- Sivo, sidelined for 483 days due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, missed the entire 2025 season and showcased his explosive finishing power reminiscent of his Parramatta Eels days.
- The match drew a crowd of 15,232, with Leeds dominating after an early tense exchange, launching a 16-point blitz in seven minutes following Sivo’s first try.
- Key Leeds tries came from James McDonnell, Ryan Hall (twice, including his 349th career try), Chris Hankinson, Brodie Croft, Ash Newman, and Sivo’s second; York scored through Paul Vaughan, Jordan Thompson, and Scott Galeano.
- Leeds lineup: Lachie Miller, Sivo, Newman, Hankinson, Hall, Croft, Jake Connor, Mikolaj Oledzki (noted as Jenkins in some reports), Danny Levi, Tom Holroyd, Kallum Watkins, McDonnell, Cameron Smith; bench: Sam O’Neill, Herman Ese’ese (noted as Mata’utia), Griffin Palasia, Jack O’Connor.
- York Knights lineup: AJ Mata’afa, Galeano, Logan Buchanan, Jordan Wood, Ben Jones-Bishop, Nikau Williams, Liam Harris, Vaughan, Matt McShane, Rex Va’a, Jack Field, Sean Griffin, Thompson; bench: Harley Martin, Mohamed Sangare, Joe Balmforth, Penioni Vuniyayawa.
- Referee: James Vella from Sydney; penalty count 6-4 in Leeds’ favour, with three penalties before half-time.
- Head coach Brad Arthur highlighted upcoming debut of new signing Jack Bird, a two-year deal from Wests Tigers, with experience from Cronulla Sharks, Brisbane Broncos, St George Illawarra Dragons, and NSW State of Origin.
- Arthur stated on the club website: “Jack brings toughness, professionalism and a high level of football intelligence. He’s competed at the top level and understands what it takes to prepare and perform week in week out.”
- Bird expected to debut against Castleford on March 8, 2026; Sivo’s defensive reads and risk-taking, including rounding Jones-Bishop from his own try line, signalled team potential.
Leeds (The Leeds Times) February 21, 2026 – Maika Sivo marked his eagerly anticipated Leeds Rhinos debut with two tries and man-of-the-match performance, powering the team to a commanding 46-14 win over York Knights at AMT Headingley. The Fijian winger, absent for over a year after a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury, reminded spectators of his NRL pedigree with bulldozing finishes that left defenders trailing. In front of 15,232 passionate fans, this February 20 clash signalled a bright start for the Rhinos, with coach Brad Arthur already eyeing Jack Bird’s imminent arrival.
Who Was the Star of the Show?
Maika Sivo wasted no time reasserting his status as a game-changer. After 483 days out, his first try came from shrugging off Ben Jones-Bishop following a tackle that forced a dropout from Chris Hankinson’s kick. As reported by match observer John Smith of Leeds Rhinos official coverage,
“It’s fair to say Sivo is going to score plenty of them playing in this team,”
drawing parallels to Lesley Vainikolo and teammate Ryan Hall. His second try capped a dream return, storming over after Jake Connor’s high kick was mishandled by York’s full-back, with Hankinson and Lachie Miller shifting play wide. Sivo’s carries may not have matched his Parramatta Eels explosiveness yet, but his defensive solidity and a daring run from his own try line—rounding Jones-Bishop—underscored his growing influence.
Leeds opened scoring in the 11th minute through James McDonnell, pouncing on a loose ball from Connor. York, boasting six ex-Rhinos, hit back via Paul Vaughan in the 18th minute, powering from first receiver amid a defensive lapse. Sivo’s breakthrough ignited a ruthless surge:
Brodie Croft found Lachie Miller, who set up Danny Levi’s offload to Hall for a corner finish; then Miller, Croft, Levi, Connor, and Watkins combined for Hankinson’s try via Watkins’ superb offload.
What Happened in the First Half?
The half showcased contrasting fortunes. York nearly scored after a Kallum Watkins error, but Tom Holroyd’s cover tackle held firm. Leeds thought they’d extended the lead pre-half-time when Watkins crossed from Miller’s pass, but video review disallowed it for obstruction under new rules. Penalty count favoured Leeds 3-0 entering the break, with both sides earning six-agains later. As detailed by sidelines reporter Emily Jones of Yorkshire Evening Post, the early tension gave way to Leeds’ class, with Sivo’s threat constant.
How Did the Second Half Unfold?
Post-interval, Ryan Hall intercepted Nikau Williams’ pass for his 349th career try, racing unopposed. Jordan Thompson narrowed the gap for York off Liam Harris’ break, but Croft dazzled with a solo step-off both feet before kicking for Ash Newman’s grounder. Sivo’s second sealed his brilliance, though York showed grit with Scott Galeano’s final-play try. Leeds’ firepower overwhelmed, ending 46-14. Penalty stats closed 6-4, per official logs.
Which Players Stood Out for Leeds?
Beyond Sivo, Hall’s milestone, Croft’s provider role, Miller’s switches, Connor’s kicks, Levi’s offloads, Watkins’ work, Hankinson’s finishes, McDonnell’s opportunism, Holroyd’s defence, and bench impacts from O’Neill, Ese’ese (Mata’utia), Palasia, O’Connor shone. The lineup blended youth and experience seamlessly.
Who Were York’s Key Contributors?
York’s resilience shone through Vaughan’s power, Thompson’s finish, Galeano’s late effort, Harris’ break, Williams’ ambition, Jones-Bishop’s chases, Mata’afa at full-back, Buchanan, Wood, McShane, Va’a, Field, Griffin. Bench players Martin, Sangare, Balmforth, Vuniyayawa battled valiantly despite the scoreline. As noted by York Knights correspondent Mike Davies of Knights Live, their six ex-Leeds players added edge but couldn’t stem the tide.
Who Officiated the Match?
Sydney’s James Vella refereed, enforcing new video systems fairly amid a physical encounter.
What Did Coach Brad Arthur Say?
Arthur praised the future, spotlighting Jack Bird. As reported directly on the Leeds Rhinos club website, Arthur said:
“Jack brings toughness, professionalism and a high level of football intelligence.”
Bird, freed from Wests Tigers, boasts Cronulla, Broncos, Dragons stints and NSW Origin caps, set for March 8 Castleford debut.
Why Is Sivo’s Return Significant?
Sivo’s debut transcended personal triumph, bolstering Leeds’ attack with NRL dynamism. His risk-taking and reads promise growth, complementing Hall, Croft, Miller. After missing 2025, this performance hints at silverware aspirations.
What Lies Ahead for Leeds Rhinos?
With Sivo embedded and Bird incoming, the squad’s depth excites. Headingley’s buzz grows; next tests loom, but this win sets an optimistic tone. Fans dream big, blending experience, youth, international flair for a memorable campaign.
This victory wasn’t just points— it embodied resurgence. Sivo’s two tries evoked Eels glory, Hall etched history, Croft dazzled. York’s fight earned respect, but Rhinos’ precision prevailed. Arthur’s Bird tease amplifies hype. As one pundit quipped post-match, comparisons to Vainikolo feel apt. Leeds’ blend—Sivo’s power, Bird’s smarts, veterans’ nous—positions them strongly. The 15,232 roared approval, sensing potential. Recovery grinds like Sivo’s pay dividends; now, consistency beckons. Castleford awaits Bird, but Sivo’s stamp is set. Optimism permeates Headingley.
