Hull KR faced Wigan Warriors in a game that will go a long way to determining who wins the League Leaders Shield and the player ratings are in.
For the majority of the game, it looked like Hull KR would win the game but two sin bins saw Wigan take control with four of Wigan’s five tries coming during that period as Matt Peet’s side won 24-20.
It was second versus first at the Brick Community Stadium with the in-form Robins looking to secure a ninth consecutive win. The challenge they faced was a Wigan side who had lost just once at home in 2024 and Matt Peet’s side was back to full strength.
After Bevan French returned from injury last week, he was joined by half-back partner Harry Smith who returned from his three-game suspension. Captain Liam Farrell also returned after a calf injury that he sustained ahead of Magic Weekend.
As for Hull KR, they were dealt a rare injury blow with Willie Peters losing full-back Niall Evalds ahead of the crucial clash. That meant that Jack Broadbent was shifted to full-back in the only change for the Robins.
We’ve now assessed how those Hull KR stars went in tonight’s loss against reigning champions Wigan Warriors.
Hull KR player ratings
Jack Broadbent – 5/10
Assured first catch that set the tone before a smart positional play to tidy up a Jai Field grubber kick. The second half was a different story as he found himself out of position for Bevan French’s try and was beaten for both Liam Marshall scores.
Joe Burgess – 7/10
Was lucky that the touch judge missed an early error. Did brilliantly to recover and tackle Jai Field and stop a certain try but was punished with a sin bin for what was adjudged as a flop. He redeemed himself in the second half when he scored the try to restore the Robins’ two-try lead. Did see his side targeted defensively though.
Peta Hiku – 6/10
With Hull KR playing such a territory-focused and defensively stout game, there wasn’t much chance for Hiku to do what he does best until his brilliant interception and break that set up Joe Burgess’ try.
Oliver Gildart – 7/10
Brilliant chase back to stop Jai Field from scoring a try in the first half and it was no surprise that Wigan attacked the other edge.
Ryan Hall – 6/10
A reliable, if not remarkable, performance from Ryan Hall who was called upon a lot to get the Robins on the front foot. Workmanlike.
Tyrone May – 5/10
A quiet night for Tyrone May, his misplaced crossfield kick in the first half saw Jake Wardle break and in turn led to Joe Burgess’ sin bin.
Mikey Lewis – 7/10
Helped Hull KR control the early exchanges with a brilliant kicking game and used incredible strength to barge over to double the lead.
Jesse Sue – 8/10
Dominant and strong running from the start which showed exactly why he’s been one of Super League’s best props in recent weeks.
Matt Parcell – 7/10
Opened the scoring with a trademark Matt Parcell try, darting over from dummy half just five yards out as he caught Kaide Ellis sleeping.
Jai Whitbread – 6/10
The prop made his 100th career appearance but it was tarnished by a sin bin after his high shot on Tyler Dupree.
Dean Hadley – 7/10
The well-respected forward made his 100th appearance for Hull KR and he put in another defensive masterclass.
James Batchelor – 7/10
He might have been considered unlucky to miss out on an England call-up earlier but he showed Shaun Wane what he was missing out on with a gritty showing.
Elliot Minchella – 7/10
His presence caused Kaide Ellis to jump the line and allow Matt Parcell to score the opener. Led by example and showed why he is one of Super League’s best.
Interchanges
Jez Litten – 5/10
Spelled on for Matt Parcell at the hour mark but that came during the period in which Wigan started asserting their dominance on the game and Litten was unable to change it.
Sam Luckley – 6/10
Was unfairly punished and penalised for a knock on when he had the ball stolen from him late in the first half.
Matty Storton – 2/10
Did not get on the field until the final five minutes and his first touch saw him knock the ball on.
Kelepi Tanginoa – 6/10
The former Wakefield Trinity man was making his 150th career appearance with his highlight being a huge shot on Abbas Miski.
Defeat in Wigan.#UpTheRobins🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/55OXwDvBB8
— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) September 6, 2024
