Leeds Rhinos secured a commanding 42-12 win against the Bradford Bulls, but the celebration was dampened by a serious injury to their star Fijian winger, Maika Sivo. The 32‑year‑old suffered what appears to be a broken forearm during the match, an injury that is expected to require surgical plating and a recovery period of roughly six weeks. The setback not only sidelines Sivo for a significant portion of the season but also jeopardises his bid to eclipse the Super League record for most tries in a single campaign.
Brad Arthur, the Rhinos head coach, confirmed after the game that Sivo’s forearm fracture will need to be stabilized with a metal plate. "He’ll be out for about six weeks," Arthur said, adding that the club will monitor his rehabilitation closely.
"We’ll do everything we can to get him back as soon as it’s safe, but his health comes first." At the time of the injury, Sivo was perched on 29 tries for the season, just eleven short of the all‑time Super League benchmark set by Castleford’s Denny Solomona, who crossed the line 40 times in 2016. Sivo’s prolific scoring has been a cornerstone of Leeds’ recent surge to the top of the table, and his absence could have a ripple effect on the team’s attacking potency as the regular season draws to a close. The injury occurred in the middle of Leeds’ dominant display at Headingley on Sunday, a match in which the Rhinos racked up seven tries. Sivo was involved in a tackle early in the second half when he landed awkwardly, prompting immediate concern from the medical staff.
He was taken off the field and later diagnosed with the fracture. Despite the blow, Leeds continued to press their advantage, with James McDonnell marking his 100th Super League appearance by scoring a brace.
Jarrod O'Connor, Tom Holroyd, Brodie Croft, Cooper Jenkins and Kallum Watkins each added a try, ensuring the final score reflected a comprehensive victory. Bradford, on the back of a disappointing run that has seen them lose six of their last seven top‑flight encounters, managed to get on the board early thanks to a superb effort from Guy Armitage, who capitalised on a Chris Atkin kick. However, Leeds responded swiftly, with McDonnell converting the ensuing opportunity and Leeds maintaining control despite the loss of Sivo. The first half concluded with Leeds leading 18-6, a margin built on disciplined defence and efficient finishing.
Jake Connor, who had a try ruled out for a double‑movement infringement, still managed to set up another scoring chance for McDonnell, illustrating the depth of creativity in the Rhinos’ backline. The second half saw Leeds extend their lead further; a high‑ball contest involving Ethan Ryan and Atkin gave Bradford a fleeting moment of hope, but the Rhinos quickly re‑asserted themselves. Tom Holroyd powered over after a massive 40‑20 kick from Connor, underscoring Leeds’ ability to generate field position and convert it into points. Connor proved instrumental not only in creating chances but also in converting all seven of Leeds’ tries, a flawless kicking performance that pushed the Rhinos to 32 points after 20 games.
This tally places them two points ahead of Wakefield Trinity and Wigan Warriors, solidifying their position at the summit of the Super League table. Meanwhile, Bradford sits 12th with 12 points, comfortably ahead of Hull FC and a full six points clear of bottom‑placed Huddersfield Giants.
Looking ahead, the Rhinos will need to adapt their attacking strategies without Sivo’s blistering pace and finishing ability. Coach Brad Arthur has hinted that other backline players will be called upon to share the try‑scoring burden, and the team’s depth will be tested as they approach the crucial run‑in to the end of the regular season. The Rhinos’ coaching staff will also be monitoring Sivo’s rehabilitation closely, hoping for a timely return that could still see him finish the season within striking distance of Solomona’s record.
The broader context of the Super League season remains competitive, with every match carrying significant weight as teams vie for playoff positions. Sky Sports continues to broadcast every game live this season, offering fans the chance to follow the drama week after week, including exclusive live coverage of two matches per round and additional fixtures on Sky Sports+. For those wanting instant updates, Sky Sports’ WhatsApp service provides the latest news, video highlights, in‑depth analysis, and more.
In summary, while Leeds Rhinos celebrated a decisive victory over Bradford Bulls, the triumph was tempered by Maika Sivo’s serious forearm injury. The Rhinos now face the challenge of maintaining their league‑leading form without one of their most lethal finishers, and Sivo’s quest to break the single‑season try record hangs in the balance pending his recovery. The coming weeks will be pivotal for both Leeds’ title ambitions and Sivo’s personal milestones, as the team strives to keep its momentum while navigating the inevitable setbacks that come with a physically demanding sport like rugby league.