Hull KR are World Club Challenge champions following an epic 30-24 win over Brisbane Broncos.
Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis and Jez Litten celebrate the historic World Club Challenge win.
Arthur Mourgue – 7: Crucially converted two from two, and made a clean break straight through the middle in the first half. His game was cut short however due to a shoulder injury, which is a shame as he was growing with confidence.
Tom Davies – 8: A powerful returner of the ball, and – with Brisbane kicking over him once on the break (not to his fault) – desperately got a hand to second attempt before the break.
Peta Hiku – 8: One of Hull KR’s hero try-scorers of the night. A strong outing for the Kiwi veteran centre.
Oliver Gildart – 8: The centre a try-scorer and defensively good with his wing partner, only breaking late on when Brisbane threw the ball around.
Joe Burgess – 9: The England international piled the pressure on Australia’s Reece Walsh with every opportunity, and stopped a try when the Brisbane full-back broke with minutes left of the first half. The winger was rewarded for his efforts with a try in the first half.
Mikey Lewis – 7: The 2024 Man of Steel went into the match with his doubters after last week’s sin-bin against York, but his kicks caused Brisbane – and Walsh – problems. He nailed a 40/20, but had some other questionable moments in the second half – including missing touch late on after a penalty.
Tyrone May – 8: Two kick assists on the night, finding space at the back.
Sauaso Sue – 8: Laid a solid platform with an opening 19 minute stint, and later returned in the first half.
Jez Litten – 10: The official player of the match. A beautiful dummy for Minchella’s try close to the line, and adding another assist later on with a kick for Burgess. Countless huge, desperate tackles with a couple of try-savers. An epic performance from the England international.
Tom Amone – 8: Making his Hull KR debut, the 2023 Dream Team prop scored the opening try and a part of a strong start for Hull KR, stunning Brisbane.
Dean Hadley – 10: And well deserved. Played across the pack – starting in the back-row, before shifting to prop before a spell at loose forward. A fantastic display from the ever-reliable forward, with huge minutes. He was named the player of the match inside the ground.
James Batchelor – 8: The back-rower with a solid outing and involved plenty.
Elliot Minchella – 9: An inspirational performance from the captain, who enjoyed – and deserved – a try on Hull KR’s big night. He’ll enjoy the celebrations.
Sam Luckley – 6: The prop didn’t have huge minutes on the field, but played his part in a historic victory.
Jai Whitbread – 8: A tough gig replacing Amone after the prop laid a solid platform. However, he continued that intensity – and also stopped Cory Paix scoring with seconds left on the clock in the first half. Big moments in the game that helped towards the triumph.
Rhyse Martin – 8: Great first run upon entering the action from the interchange bench, helping Hull KR escape danger zone near their try-line. Had a big hand in two of Hull KR’s tries, both on the back of kicks. Importantly converted three from three.
Karl Lawton – 8: What a way to start your Hull KR career, marking just his third competitive appearance for the club. A part of a desperate try-saving tackle to stop Paix.