Hull KR have one hand on the League Leaders’ Shield after a huge statement win.
Hull KR are not only a massive step closer to a historic first-ever League Leaders’ Shield, they have overcome their biggest psychological challenge with a 10-6 statement win over reigning champions Wigan Warriors.
A relentless, resilient and determined defensive effort from Rovers ultimately won the match, suffocating Matt Peet’s Cherry and Whites from field position and opportunities until their late score.
Rovers showcased their serious title credentials with many predicting a rematch at Old Trafford in October.
It extends their lead at the top of the Super League table to six points over Wigan, with Dean Hadley scoring KR’s only try, alongside three vital goals from Rhyse Martin.
There was no room for Rowan Milnes despite his short loan move from Castleford Tigers, with Arthur Mourgue named in the halves alongside Mikey Lewis. Jack Broadbent retained his place at full-back, with James Batchelor in the centres.
Hadley further established his title as fan favourite with the game’s first try – and Hull KR’s only – on 10 minutes. The consistent forward ran a perfect line for Mourgue to feed the 33-year-old through a gap, with Martin converting for an early 6-0 lead.
It was then a battle the Robins dominated in the first-half, through tireless defence led by Jez Litten in the middle of the field. The hooker with a fine performance on both sides of the ball, including a dangerous short kicking game.
It was his grubber that caused some chaos at the back for Wigan on 36 minutes, with Wigan skipper Liam Farrell sent to the sin-bin for a penalty foul after holding back Elliot Minchella in a try-scoring opportunity.
Rovers opted to take the two and extend their lead to 8-0, but may have felt they should have scored more points with their opportunities across the first 40. Kelepi Tanginoa and Broadbent with dangerous breaks, but the reigning champions found enough energy to keep Rovers out.
In a tireless battle, fatigue played a part in the second half with errors aplenty from both sides. Rovers however extended their lead on 56 minutes through Martin’s boot, converting a penalty for holding down for a 10-0 lead.
It looked as though Hull KR were on their way to the victory, but with Wigan involved, you can never switch off.
Joe Burgess with an unfortunate mistake at the back allowed the hosts their first real opportunity, in which they converted into points when Adam Keighran – who had to pass a head injury assessment earlier in the game – crashed over from a scrum play.
However, Rovers held on for the final seven minutes for a huge statement victory.
Wigan Warriors: Jai Field, Abbas Miski, Zach Eckersley, Jake Wardle, Liam Marshall, Adam Keighran, Harry Smith, Ethan Havard, Brad O’Neill, Liam Byrne, Sam Walters, Liam Farrell, Kaide Ellis. Bench : Patrick Mago, Kruise Leeming, Tyler Dupree, Harvie Hill.
Tries : Keighran (73’)
Goals : Keighran 1/1
Sin-bin : Farrell (36’)
Hull KR: Jack Broadbent, Tom Davies, Peta Hiku, James Batchelor, Joe Burgess, Mikey Lewis, Arthur Mourgue, Sauaso Sue, Jez Litten, Jai Whitbread, Rhyse Martin, Dean Hadley, Elliot Minchella. Bench: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Sam Luckley, Kelepi Tanginoa, Bill Leyland.
Tries: Hadley (10’)
Goals: Martin 3/3