Leeds Rhinos beat Bradford Bulls but lose Maika Sivo to injury
Leeds Rhinos moved two points clear at the top of Super League with a 42-12 victory over Bradford Bulls, but were dealt a blow as leading try-scorer Maika Sivo was taken off with a suspected broken arm.
Leeds bounce back from last week's defeat
The Rhinos returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion, defeating Yorkshire rivals Bradford Bulls 42-12 at Headingley on Sunday. The win puts Leeds two points clear at the summit of the Super League table, responding well after their surprise loss to Castleford Tigers last weekend.
Sivo injury and McDonnell double
Leeds suffered a major setback in the first half when Maika Sivo, the league's top try-scorer with 29 tries, was forced off with a suspected broken arm. The winger was injured while making a tackle on the halfway line and was seen with his right arm in a sling after the game. Despite this, James McDonnell marked his 100th Super League appearance for the Rhinos with two tries, first intercepting a pass from Chris Atkin to race clear, then scoring a simple try on the right wing after a pass from Jake Connor.
Bradford's brief fightback
Bradford took an early lead through Guy Armitage's try in the ninth minute, but Leeds quickly regained control. By halftime, the Rhinos led by 12 points. The Bulls briefly threatened early in the second half when Ethan Ryan scored on his 200th career appearance, but Leeds responded with four more tries. Tom Holroyd barged over from close range, Brodie Croft pounced on a loose ball, Cooper Jenkins broke through a tackle, and Kallum Watkins strolled in for the final try after more magic from Connor, who converted all seven kicks.
Bradford's struggles continue
The Bulls, languishing near the bottom of the table, suffered their sixth defeat in seven Super League matches. They struggled to contain Leeds' attack, and their afternoon was summed up when Armitage intercepted a pass but Ryan knocked on with a clear run to the line.
