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Leeds Rhinos Crush Hull KR 34-8 with Jake Connor Masterclass

Sky Sports Champions League •
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Leeds Rhinos delivered a commanding 34-8 victory over Hull KR at Headingley, with Jake Connor orchestrating the win through an 18-point haul. The league leaders strengthened their position at the summit with a performance that echoed their recent 58-6 demolition of the same opponents in Las Vegas. Connor's precise kicking and creative play proved the difference against a Hull KR side missing key players Dean Hadley and Tom Amone through head injuries.

The match carried emotional weight as the club honored Rob Burrow before kickoff during their MND Awareness Fixture, witnessed by their largest Super League crowd in six years. Mikey Lewis's uncharacteristic error just after the half-hour sparked Leeds' momentum, with Connor's acrobatic recovery and subsequent try assist for Chris Hankinson shifting the contest decisively in the hosts' favor.

Maika Sivo continued his remarkable scoring streak, touching down in his club-record-equalling ninth consecutive Super League game to take his season tally to 26 tries. The winger's brace complemented Connor's individual brilliance, while Hull KR's Noah Booth provided brief resistance before Leeds pulled away. Rhyse Martin's sin-binning compounded the visitors' frustrations in a fractious first half.

This fifth straight league win puts Leeds in commanding position heading into the crucial summer fixtures, while Hull KR must regroup quickly. Connor limped off late but not before sealing a comprehensive triumph that demonstrated Leeds' title credentials against quality opposition.

Leeds' depth and quality shone through despite injuries, while Hull KR's defensive frailties returned at the worst possible moment.