Hull KR secured second spot in Super League with a 26-16 win over Leeds Rhinos, who saw faint hopes of climbing into the play-offs fade away into the distance. The Rhinos did their part and made KR work for their victory, but they could do little to prevent Willie Peters’ side pulling away in the second half.
It means KR can now start selling tickets for a semi-final clash at Craven Park in a fortnight’s time, with Old Trafford just 80 minutes away. Leeds, on the other hand, must now dust themselves down, assess where this season went wrong and prepare to go again in 2025.
Leeds got the ball rolling at a sold out Craven Park as Rhyse Martin, who will be calling east Hull home next year, touched down after some smart play from Brodie Croft to find the hole. KR hit back through Matt Parcell, but Alfie Edgell added a second for Leeds as he made the most of some poor defending to touch down.
Edgell committed the error under the high ball, though, that allowed Hiku to level up the scores going into the interval and from there, it was one way traffic as the Robins simply overpowered their visitors.
Tom Opacic, Jesse Sue and Joe Burgess all got themselves on the scoresheet as Brad Arthur’s side withered under the pressure of the Red and Whites. Andy Ackers scored late on but it was nothing more than a consolation.
Star man
Peta Hiku. Didn’t cover himself in glory defensively in the build-up to Edgell’s try, but starred for much of the contest. Touched down and set up Joe Burgess superbly.
Talking points
Hull KR stutter but come through
It’s fair to say KR weren’t firing on all cylinders in the first half of the contest as Leeds bit down on their gumshields and looked to produce a response after their hiding at Wigan Warriors last week. Rovers did enough to peg them back on every occasion and they had more than enough to dispatch the Rhinos in the second half with some smart attacking play.
There were some nervy moments in the first half but KR can now look forward to having next weekend off as they prepare for a home semi-final on Friday, October 4.
Edgell one for the future
Edgell was one of the few who emerged from the loss at Wigan Warriors with any sort of credit in the bank and he caught the eye at Craven Park, too. The youngster made one costly error under the high ball and gifted Peta Hiku an equalising try in the first half.
However, that was the one blotch on his record as he largely showcased the talent and potential he has at his finger tips. He took his try very well, too, forcing Rovers into a defensive error with a neat step before touching down from 10 metres. He’s inexperienced and it’s still very early his career, but the signs are promising.
Parcell hard to replace
The hooker will be returning to Australia when this season ends but there’s a lot more life left in the old dog yet. His performances in 2024 have been some of his best in a KR shirt and his display against Leeds was right up there, too, with the sponsors handing him the man of the match award.
Rovers have brought in Micky McIlorum and Bill Leyland to add to their hooker ranks and his departure will ensure Jez Litten takes on even more of a senior role in the Hull KR spine. But Parcell’s absence will certainly be missed next season, with the former Leeds man being instrumental in the club’s rise in recent years.
Play-off picture
We now know how the play-offs will look next weekend with the top six confirmed. Warrington Wolves will host St Helens next week in what is a peach of a tie, while Salford Red Devils take on Leigh Leopards at the Salford Community Stadium. On paper they’re two evenly matched games and they’ll certainly promise to entertain.
New faces needed
Brad Arthur will be under no illusions how much work he needs to do with this Leeds Rhinos side over the off-season. There’s talent in every area of the first-team squad and the youngsters coming through at the club certainly ought to offer supporters encouragement.
However, the Rhinos are crying out for one or two more senior figures who can provide a commanding presence and take on responsibility when the going gets tough. Recruitment is key then if Arthur is to take Leeds back towards the play-offs and beyond next season and he’s alluded to that on more than one occasion. The pressure is on Ian Blease to find the men they need.
