Brad Arthur has banned talk of Las Vegas until Leeds Rhinos negotiate a testing assignment against Super League newcomers York Knights.

Leeds are building towards next weekend's Sin City date with Hull KR but that historic occasion is not even on Arthur's radar.

The Rhinos boss is determined to make an early statement at Headingley.

"We haven't talked about Vegas and I refuse to talk about it until after the game," said Arthur, whose team lost at Leigh Leopards in round one.

"It's important for us because it's our first home game. What happens next week has nothing to do with our mentality and attitude around Friday.

"At home in front of our crowd who support us and the loyalty they show, if we need to find extra motivation, we're in it for the wrong reasons. We want to be winning games of footy.

"Regardless of what happened the week before or what happens the week after, this is really important to us about how we want to perform and get on the front foot at home."

Arthur is set to welcome back five players against York, headlined by Maika Sivo's long-awaited debut and the return of reigning Man of Steel Jake Connor.

Brad Arthur, centre, has warned his team to focus on York. (Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com)

placeholder image — Brad Arthur, centre, has warned his team to focus on York. (Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com)

While the absence of nine first-teamers was keenly felt in last week's opener, Arthur believes Leeds put themselves in a position to win and has challenged his side to right those wrongs on Friday.

"It becomes a very long week on the back of a loss," he said. "You can’t wait to get out there and get it right. That’s what I'm looking forward to.

"We had to be honest with our review. We created way too many opportunities we didn't make the most of, especially in the first half.

"I would have been really disappointed if we got bashed up and our physicality was poor or our effort was poor and we didn’t have any fight in us. But how long are we going to sit here talking about missed opportunities? We need to get them right."

Leeds are bidding to bounce back from defeat to Leigh. (Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com)

Leeds face a York team on a high after stunning defending champions Hull KR on the opening night.

Toulouse Olympique followed their lead by winning at Wakefield Trinity, while fellow promoted side Bradford Bulls pushed Hull FC all the way in a narrow defeat.

"Right from the start, I was more than happy to have the three new teams enter and thought it was good for the game," said Arthur.

"I know it's only round one but those teams all showed they're going to be more than capable. I don't think any team will be taking them lightly."

York pulled off a shock win in the opening round. (Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com)

York's win over the Robins was the perfect way to announce themselves in Super League.

Mark Applegarth has called on his team to prove they are no one-hit wonders.

"We haven't got that element of surprise anymore," said the Knights boss.

"As a coach, you're always conscious after a high like that that people think it's just going to happen.

"It's a new week, a new challenge and we want to see if we can back up last Thursday's performance. We know we're going to have to go above and beyond again to get what we want."