No partying for Leeds Rhinos as boss makes 'there for a reason' vow ahead of Las Vegas clash v Hull KR
Leeds Rhinos’ no-nonsense approach to their Las Vegas mission has been outlined by coach Brad Arthur.
Rhinos face Hull KR in a Betfred Super League fixture at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday which is the first part of a treble-header also featuring two NRL round one games, Newcastle Knights against North Queensland Cowboys and Canterbury Bulldogs v St George-Illawarra Dragons. Vegas is known as the entertainment capital of the world and around 10,000 Leeds and Hull KR fans are planning a party, but Arthur stressed Rhinos will be all business, at least until Saturday evening.
That was discussed in Rhinos’ changing room immediately after Friday’s win against York Knights and Arthur insisted: “We are going there for a reason, we need to go there and give it our best shot at the reason why we are going there. After that they can have a bit of fun, but we’ve talked about not getting distracted and not getting caught up in the bright lights.
“At the end of the day we get paid to put in our best performances on the field and that’s what we are chasing. We will be as professional as we can be and as needed and make sure we come up with a professional performance next Saturday.”
Rhinos’ 21-man squad will have some free time on Tuesday to explore Vegas as they recover from today’s (Monday) flight. Several media and meet the fans events are planned, but the team will be focussed on the job at hand. “It’s their job,” Arthur added.
“We are fortunate enough to represent the club and Super League in front of the NRL as well so we need to make sure both teams put on a spectacle and show these guys are worthy of this opportunity. That’s what it’s about. We are not taking any of it lightly or for granted. It’s not a holiday, it’s work.”
Rhinos couldn’t face a tougher challenge, against the new World Club champions. Hull KR’s defeat of NRL premiers Brisbane Broncos last Thursday made them officially the best team on the planet, though their Super League campaign got off to a losing start with a shock 19-18 setback at York who Rhinos went on to beat 46-14.
“They were good,” Arthur said of the Robins’ world title win. It [the match in Vegas] is good for the game. Hopefully both teams go out there and it’s tight and it comes down to the last minute and it’s a fight right to the end. That’s what we want to see.”
The Yorkshire Evening Post’s coverage of Leeds Rhinos in Las Vegas is in association with Betfred Super League. Saturday’s showdown between Rhinos and Hull KR at Allegiant Stadium is an early highlight of a packed year of club rugby league action which also includes the Challenge Cup final at Wembley on May 30, Magic Weekend’s blockbuster return to Everton FC’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on July 4-5 and the Super League Grand Final on October 3 at Old Trafford. Experience live Super League. League Hits Different. To guarantee your place, visit Super League | Tickets