Willie Peters’ Hull KR hosted Matt Peet’s Wigan Warriors in Round Seven of Super League and here’s our verdict on the game.
Hull KR entered Round Seven as the only unbeaten team in Super League but they lost that record as Wigan won 28-12, coming from 12-6 down to secure a brilliant win.
Whilst Hull KR controlled the territory throughout all of the first half, they only led by six at the half. Fatigue would get to KR late on and Wigan’s game-breaking plays helped them pile on the points.
In a repeat of the 2024 Grand Final, Hull KR were looking to avenge that loss and maintain their 100% record with a win. Wigan, who had lost twice already in Super League, were looking to put out a reminder that they’re still the team to beat.
With Mikey Lewis out on account of a groin injury, Rovers’ Challenge Cup hero Jez Litten started in the halves with recent signing Arthur Mourgue getting the nod at full-back over Arthur Mourgue. As for Wigan, they were back to near full-strength with Abbas Miski returning, however, Luke Thompson’s loss was a major one.
In what was teed up to be a game replicating play-off intensity featuring two teams we expect to see go far this season, here’s our verdict on the game.
Hull KR lose unbeaten record at hands of champion Wigan Warriors
Defending champions Wigan Warriors are back in the race for top spot following a THRILLING 12-28 win against Hull KR 🚨 pic.twitter.com/b8JQ6re96I
— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) April 11, 2025
It was an electric atmosphere at Craven Park with 11,300 in attendance and Hull KR repaid those home fans, starting quick with Joe Burgess scoring acrobatically in the corner after seven minutes to make it 6-0. A spark was then lit after an off-ball scuffle between Junior Nsemba and Dean Hadley, something that only buoyed the home fans.
Hull KR then conceded a try that will have infuriated Willie Peters. After knocking on to give Wigan a scrum deep in Wigan territory, the Robins tried to get a sub made but couldn’t meaning Micky McIlorum found himself on the wing. Wigan saw that, shifted the ball wide and found Zach Eckersley in acres of space to run 80 metres to score.
Sam Luckley was introduced into the action and the forward made an instant impact, carrying twice and offloading twice in the build-up to Peta Hiku’s try. Jack Broadbent shifted it wide to Tyrone May with his smart dummy setting the Kiwi centre to crash over to make it 12-6.
Early in the second-half, Hull KR almost made something out of nothing when Peta Hiku’s hopeful grubber kick wasn’t dealt with and Joe Burgess slid in. Jack Smith gave the try but video referee Liam Rush overturned the call and ruled Burgess didn’t ground the ball, with that decision outraging of the Craven Park faithful.
That was punished immediately when a shift left from midfield saw Wigan march forward with Jake Wardle racing in to score and make it 12-10. A 20-minute back-and-forth period came next and it was broken when Harry Smith found a gap with the Robins unable to deal with the mounting pressure.
With Hull KR then chasing the game, Hull KR played the expansive game but it cost them. Joe Burgess offloaded to avoid going into touch but Bevan French scooped it up and danced past two before passing to Jai Field who raced 50 metres to score easily.
A hospital pass at the back gave Wigan another chance and despite Jack Smith ruling ‘No try’ on Abbas Miski’s attempt, Liam Rush overturned that decision with the conversion taking the score to 28-12.
Good day for
Matt Peet’s side have been questioned by some in 2025 and whilst they weren’t able to dominate, they were able to soak up the pressure and then execute at the crucial moments. Three of their four tries came from plays inside their own half, highlighting their game-breaking ability.
Bad day for
Micky McIlorum played the full 80 last week but it seemed that may have got to him tonight. His error handed Wigan the scrum from which they scored, with McIlorum’s efforts to get off the field at that moment seeing him left on the wing where Zach Eckersley exposed him. Making matters worse, he wouldn’t return due to a bicep injury.
Star man
Zach Eckersley’s try out of nothing gave Wigan a foothold in the game and it was his break in the second-half that seemed to start the turning of the tide. The likes of Kaide Ellis and Junior Nsemba also had major says in how the game went.
Teams
Hull KR XIII: Arthur Mourgue, Tom Davies, Peta Hiku, Oliver Gildart, Joe Burgess, Jez Litten, Tyrone May, Sauaso Sue, Micky McIlorum, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Kelepi Tanginoa, Dean Hadley, Elliot Minchella
Interchanges: Jack Broadbent, Jai Whitbread, Jack Brown, Sam Luckley
Wigan Warriors XIII: Jai Field, Abbas Miski, Zach Eckersley, Jake Wardle, Liam Marshall, Bevan French, Harry Smith, Liam Byrne, Kruise Leeming, Sam Walters, Liam Farrell, Junior Nsemba, Kaide Ellis
Interchanges: Harvie Hill, Patrick Mago, Tyler Dupree, Brad O’Neill
The squads for The Table Toppers vs The Champs are in 🤩
Watch this @Betfred #SuperLeague Round 7 clash Live at 8pm on @SkySports! 👀 pic.twitter.com/1uqekKNAiM
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) April 11, 2025
