It may be the reality check Hull KR needed.
York’s Ata Hingano kicks the winning point against defending Super League champions Hull KR.
Hull KR’s opening night of their Super League title defence did not go to script, as York Knights produced one of the biggest upsets the competition has ever seen on a landmark occasion.
The night belonged to York, marking their first-ever Super League fixture following promotion. Mark Applegarth’s side showed grit and determination, spurred on by a sell-out crowd at the LNER Community Stadium, overturning an 18-6 deficit to complete a dramatic comeback in the closing stages.
Momentum shifted when Mikey Lewis was sent to the sin bin for a unnecessary trip on Liam Harris. York capitalised on their numerical advantage, and added another against Hull KR back to full strength before sealing the victory in the 76th minute through a drop-goal from Ata Hingano.
However, it is not all doom and gloom for the Robins. The defeat could yet prove a blessing in disguise ahead of their World Club Challenge clash with NRL heavyweights Brisbane Broncos.
After a historic 2025 campaign that delivered a clean sweep of trophies, winning felt like it would be the norm this year.
Rovers ended a 40-year wait for silverware in style last season. Willie Peters’ side lifted the Challenge Cup with victory over Warrington Wolves at Wembley, secured the League Leaders’ Shield, and capped the season with an emphatic Grand Final triumph over rivals Wigan Warriors at Old Trafford.
Belief has been sky-high at Sewell Group Craven Park throughout pre-season that the club can repeat the feat in 2026 and retain their trophies – with the opportunity to add a fourth next week in a blockbuster World Club Challenge encounter.
That optimism is unlikely to fade after an early setback, even one as significant as this, particularly against a York side that only turned full-time five months ago – though still boasting top flight experience stars such as Paul McShane, Josh Griffin, Ben Jones-Bishop and Paul Vaughan.
Instead, it may serve as the ultimate motivator heading into next week, with Hull KR determined to put things right and quickly rediscover the form that saw them conquer and dominate rugby league in the northern hemisphere throughout last season.
Losing hurts – especially when winning becomes a habit. It’s perhaps a reality check needed within the camp. They went into the clash with York heavy favourites, with nobody giving the hosts a chance. Hull KR will be eager to reclaim that winning feeling.
Just as York seized their moment on the biggest rugby league occasion the city has seen, Rovers will now be intent on delivering a response of their own in front a global audience from the MKM Stadium.