Leeds Rhinos secured a dominant 42-12 win against the Bradford Bulls, but the celebration was tempered by a serious setback for their star winger, Maika Sivo. The 32‑year‑old Fijian, who has been on a prolific try‑scoring run this season, suffered what appears to be a broken forearm during the match, an injury that is likely to keep him out of action for roughly six weeks. Coach Brad Arthur confirmed after the game that Sivo will need surgical plating on his forearm, a procedure that will inevitably delay his return to the field.
Sivo entered the game with an impressive tally of 29 tries in the Super League campaign, edging ever closer to the all‑time single‑season record of 40 tries set by Castleford’s Denny Solomona back in 2016. The injury not only jeopardises his personal milestone but also removes a potent attacking weapon from Leeds’ arsenal at a crucial stage of the season. Despite the setback, Arthur remains optimistic that Sivo could re‑join the squad before the regular season concludes, giving him a chance to add to his already remarkable haul. The incident occurred early in the second half, as Leeds were already cruising to a comfortable lead.
Sivo was attempting a textbook tackle when he landed awkwardly, prompting immediate concern among teammates and medical staff. The Rhinos’ medical team quickly assessed the situation and, after imaging, concluded that the forearm fracture would require internal fixation.
In the weeks ahead, Sivo will undergo rehabilitation, focusing on regaining strength and mobility while the coaching staff adjusts their attacking strategies to compensate for his absence. Leeds’ victory was highlighted by a standout performance from James McDonnell, who celebrated his 100th Super League appearance by crossing the try‑line twice. Supporting him were Jarrod O'Connor, Tom Holroyd, Brodie Croft, Cooper Jenkins and Kallum Watkins, each adding a try to the scoreboard.
The collective effort helped Leeds bounce back from a narrow 36‑34 defeat to Castleford in the previous round, restoring confidence and extending their lead at the top of the table. Bradford, meanwhile, endured their sixth loss in seven top‑flight fixtures. They briefly took the lead when Guy Armitage expertly collected a Chris Atkin kick and grounded the ball for a try.
However, Leeds responded swiftly, with McDonnell capitalising on a well‑timed pass to restore parity. A controversial moment saw Jake Connor have a try disallowed for a double movement, but he quickly created another opportunity for McDonnell, and O'Connor’s work rate helped push Leeds to an 18‑6 advantage at the break. The second half saw Leeds maintain their dominance.
After the interval, Bradford managed to pull one back when Ethan Ryan contested a high ball, linking up with Atkin for a quick exchange that resulted in a try. Yet Leeds answered almost immediately; Tom Holroyd powered over following a massive 40‑20 kick from Connor, showcasing the Rhinos’ ability to turn defence into attack in a single play.
Connor, who has been a reliable goal‑kicker all season, successfully converted all seven of Leeds’ tries, taking his personal tally to 32 points from the match and pushing the team’s season total to 32 points after 20 games. This puts Leeds two points clear of rivals Wakefield Trinity and Wigan Warriors, who sit just behind them in the standings.
Bradford, on the other hand, remain near the bottom, occupying 12th place with 12 points, comfortably ahead of Hull FC but still a considerable distance from safety. Looking ahead, Leeds will need to adapt their attacking structures without Sivo’s pace and finishing ability. Coach Arthur has hinted at giving more opportunities to emerging backs and possibly reshuffling the wing positions to maintain their try‑scoring threat.
The Rhinos’ depth will be tested, but the squad’s recent performances suggest they have the resilience to stay on course for the title. For fans eager to follow the ongoing drama, Sky Sports continues to broadcast every Super League match live throughout the season, offering exclusive coverage of two fixtures each round and additional highlights on the Sky Sports+ platform. The network also provides a range of supplementary content, including podcasts such as the Bench with Jenna and Jon, and a dedicated app for on‑the‑go updates. Stay tuned for further developments on Sivo’s recovery and Leeds’ pursuit of the championship.