Rugby League Feb 28, 2026

Super League in Las Vegas 2026: Harry Newman and Chris Hankinson relishing 'surreal' opportunity at Allegiant Stadium

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By Admin
Sports Journalist
Super League in Las Vegas 2026: Harry Newman and Chris Hankinson relishing 'surreal' opportunity at Allegiant Stadium

It is fair to say it has been a surreal week as a whole for Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR - and that is not going to stop when it gets to game day.

The two Super League sides open a bumper day of rugby league action on Saturday with three matches at the 60,000 seater Allegiant Stadium.

Home to the Las Vegas Raiders, it is one of the most high spec, modern stadia in the world, having hosted a SuperBowl, Taylor Swift's Eras Tour and many more massive events.

It was built as an arena, as an event space, and the task for Leeds and Hull KR is to entertain in the way so many have before on this pitch.

For Chris Hankinson, it is an opportunity that will only sink in once the dust settles.

"It is surreal. Everyone says to soak it up but I think it is a bit hard to because it is so overwhelming," the Rhinos centre said.

"Even last night on Fremont Street with that crowd - the Leeds fans were surrounding where we came off so you just got hit by Hull KR coming through, which was great."

Hankinson has been in stellar form in pre-season and the opening two matches for Leeds, really impressing fans and his head coach.

However, he drops to the bench for the Vegas clash as captain Ash Handley makes his return from injury.

Head coach Brad Arthur commended Hankinson on how well he had taken the decision, and the player himself says he is used to playing such a role.

"I have had it before at a previous club so it is not something I am unfamiliar with," he added. "Team-first is the way it has to be always."

The chance to shine on Saturday is also an intriguing one for Harry Newman, who is in his last year with Leeds before heading to new NRL franchise Perth Bears for 2027.

While he knows it is an opportunity to impress the hordes of players, coaches, and spectators over from Australia, he says he is staying focused on doing his job for his current club.

"Obviously it is going to be a tough game against the world champions Hull KR," Newman said.

"I am looking forward to it. We are confident as a group and we are looking to put in our best performance.

"There are a lot of people from the NRL here so it would be nice to go out and play well, but my first priority is playing well for Leeds and finishing off in the way that I would like to.

"I think Lachie (Miller) will go well on this track, Jake (Connor) will steer us around the park.

"We have got some outstanding players but so have they as well, so it should make for a great entertaining game."

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