Leeds Rhinos celebrated a dominant 42-12 victory against the Bradford Bulls on Sunday, but the triumph was tinged with concern after winger Maika Sivo suffered a suspected broken forearm during the match. The injury not only forced the Fijian star to leave the field early, but also put a damper on his pursuit of the Super League’s single‑season try‑scoring record, a milestone that has been within his reach all season. In the post‑match press conference, Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur confirmed that Sivo’s forearm fracture will require surgical plating.
The 32‑year‑old, who previously shone for the Parramatta Eels before joining Leeds, is expected to be sidelined for roughly six weeks. Arthur added that while the recovery period is significant, the medical team is optimistic that Sivo could return before the regular season draws to a close, giving him a chance to finish the campaign strongly. At the time of the injury, Sivo was perched on 29 tries for the current Super League campaign, just eleven short of the all‑time record of 40 set by Castleford’s Denny Solomona in 2016.
The Fijian’s speed, power and finishing ability have made him one of the most feared attackers in the competition, and his absence will be felt not only by Leeds but also by fans hoping to witness a new benchmark being established. The incident occurred early in the second half when Sivo attempted a tackle on a Bradford attacker. The force of the collision caused a suspected fracture to his forearm, prompting immediate medical attention and his subsequent removal from the pitch.
Despite the setback, Leeds continued to press their advantage, ultimately scoring seven tries in total. James McDonnell, marking his 100th Super League appearance for the Rhinos, crossed the line twice, while Jarrod O'Connor, Tom Holroyd, Brodie Croft, Cooper Jenkins and Kallum Watkins each added a try to the tally. Leeds entered the match needing a win after a narrow 36-34 defeat to Castleford the previous week. The Rhinos responded with an aggressive start, with McDonnell’s early try setting the tone.
Bradford briefly took the lead when Guy Armitage capitalised on a Chris Atkin kick, but Leeds quickly regained control. A disallowed double‑movement try from Jake Connor could have widened the gap further, but he still managed to create a second‑half opportunity that allowed McDonnell to add another score. By halftime, Leeds had built an 18-6 lead, a cushion that proved decisive.
After the interval, Bradford attempted a comeback when Ethan Ryan collected a high ball, linked up with Atkin, and managed to cross the line. However, Leeds’ response was swift. Tom Holroyd surged over after a massive 40‑20 kick from Connor, restoring the Rhinos’ dominance. Connor, who also took on the conversion duties, successfully kicked all seven conversions, bringing Leeds’ points total to 32 after 20 games – a two‑point lead over Wakefield Trinity and Wigan Warriors.
Bradford, meanwhile, continued to struggle, slipping to sixth defeat in seven top‑flight matches and sitting 12th on the table with 12 points. They remain two points clear of Hull FC and six points ahead of bottom‑placed Huddersfield Giants, but their recent form suggests a challenging road ahead if they hope to climb the standings.
Sivo’s injury raises several questions for Leeds. The club will need to adjust its attacking strategies in his absence, possibly relying more heavily on the creativity of Connor and the finishing prowess of McDonnell and O'Connor.
The Rhinos’ depth will be tested, but the coaching staff appears confident that the squad can maintain momentum. From a broader perspective, the incident highlights the physical toll of rugby league at the highest level. Players like Sivo, who combine explosive speed with powerful contact, are constantly at risk of injury.
The league’s medical protocols, including immediate assessment and surgical intervention when necessary, aim to protect athletes while balancing the competitive calendar. Looking ahead, Leeds will aim to preserve their position at the top of the Super League table while managing Sivo’s rehabilitation.
If the winger can return before the season’s conclusion, he may still have a chance to add to his try tally, though reaching Solomona’s record will require a remarkable scoring run in the remaining fixtures. Fans can stay updated on Sivo’s progress and the Rhinos’ campaign through Sky Sports’ coverage, which includes live broadcasts of every Super League match this season, with two exclusive live games per round and additional fixtures shown on Sky Sports+. The Sky Sports app and WhatsApp channel also provide real‑time news, video highlights, analysis, and more for supporters eager to follow every development. In summary, while Leeds Rhinos secured a convincing win over Bradford Bulls, the victory was marred by Maika Sivo’s forearm injury, casting uncertainty over his personal try‑scoring ambitions and forcing the team to adapt their attacking game plan.
The Rhinos remain leaders in the league, but the next few weeks will test their resilience and depth as they navigate the challenges posed by injuries and a tightly contested table.