Super League in Vegas: Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR coaches embrace unique challenge

From the constant chime of slot machines to the draw of bars, rooftop parties and round-the-clock entertainment, it is truly a city that never sleeps.

For supporters, that is part of the appeal. For players and coaches, it is a test of focus.

This has been a week like no other for Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR, pulled in every direction to promote a unique Yorkshire derby.

The challenge for coaches is to strike the right balance between keeping players in business mode and letting them soak up the spectacle.

While leaving Sin City with the two competition points is the primary objective, Rhinos boss Brad Arthur is embracing the occasion.

"It is part of it," said the Australian.

"We need to help promote the game. We're privileged enough to be over here to play.

"Our job is on Saturday but we’ve had a good training day today (Wednesday) and I think our squad is mature enough to know when we're training, we're training, but outside of it we can have a bit of fun and enjoy the occasion.

"We certainly don't want to go home having let it go past us and thinking, ‘Gee, we didn’t get to enjoy it'.

"But once we get to Saturday, that's when the real fun is going to be."

The Yorkshire rivals are already into their stride at the start of the Super League season, in contrast to their NRL counterparts who are gearing up for round one at Allegiant Stadium.

Leeds arrived in Vegas after negotiating a tricky assignment against York Knights, while Rovers are fresh from claiming a stunning victory over Brisbane Broncos in the World Club Challenge.

The carrot for both teams this weekend is the chance to enjoy the city in all its neon-soaked glory once the dry camp comes to an end.

"We didn't have to talk about it," added Arthur, who has a full-strength squad to pick from Mikolaj Oledzki aside.

"The boys know what our standards and expectations are. We're here for work and for our job.

"We weren't as fortunate as the NRL teams. We weren't able to come over last weekend and enjoy it but if we go out and put in a strong performance, they can enjoy it on Saturday night.

"Going up against the world club champions in Las Vegas, it couldn't be any better. It'll show us exactly where we are as a team.

"We want to challenge ourselves against the best and couldn't ask for anything better."

The teams will be backed by thousands of fans who have emptied their pockets to support them on the road. Their raucous support at this week's events has certainly made an impression, leaving Newcastle Knights captain Kalyn Ponga stunned.

"Nah, this is crazy," he said. "You English fans are mental, mad. This is nuts. It's been insane."

Arthur is full of admiration for the sacrifices fans have made to follow their team to Vegas.

"It's unreal," he said.

"These guys work hard throughout the week, it's not a cheap trip and they come over to support their team.

"We have to do it justice and make sure they have gone home happy with the team's performance.

“We've got a real commitment to our fans around that and a real commitment to Super League to make sure both teams put on a spectacle because it's a privilege and an opportunity of a lifetime for a lot of these guys.

"We've got to make the most of it."

While Leeds are up and running in Super League thanks to last week's victory over York, the Robins will step out at Allegiant Stadium still searching for their first win after going down to the same opposition in round one.

Rovers bounced back emphatically in the World Club Challenge but have not forgotten their LNER Community Stadium struggles.

Whether it is that surprise defeat or performing at rugby league's flagship event, Willie Peters' men are not short of motivation.

"It's all business," said Peters.

"You obviously want to enjoy it because it's an experience we'll never get again as a team and a collective – but we're here to try and get two points. That's the main objective.

"I've highlighted publicly that the York game was disappointing. It was mainly around how we got beaten. The week after we went back to the game we know we're capable of.

"That sets us up for this week because Brisbane are similar to Leeds in terms of unstructured rugby and having individuals who can hurt you.

"It's very similar to last week. We're not just representing East Hull – we're representing Super League and the British game. We want to make sure we do everyone proud."