Hull KR put in a season-best performance to beat Warrington Wolves and go top of the Super League table and it’s led to fans saying similar things about each team respectively.
The Robins eventually ran out as 22-4 winners with tries from Sauaso Sue, Tyrone May, Mikey Lewis and Peta Hiku securing the win, and they were perhaps unlucky not to see Joe Burgess on the score sheet as he had a try controversially disallowed in the first half.
Willie Peters had never beaten Warrington Wolves but it was fifth time lucky as his side simply outworked Sam Burgess’ side to secure the two points and head to the summit of Super League.
Warrington’s time atop Super League lasted just one week and Hull KR might not even last till Tuesday if Wigan beat Leigh, however, fans are already questioning whether it actually is Warrington’s year, or if we should instead be taking the Robins a lot more seriously.
Robins dominate Warrington Wolves
Credit: Imago Images
It wasn’t quite the scoreline that Warrington defeated Wigan Warriors by last week but it was a similarly impressive performance with Hull KR going on the road, just as Wire did, and upsetting Super League’s leaders.
Sauso Sue powered over early on before Tyrone May rose highest to claim Mikey Lewis’s kick and make it 10-0 going into the half. Both sides had tries ruled out with Ollie Gildart’s score perhaps incorrectly overruled, whilst Josh Thewlis was unfortunate that his long-distance try got called back.
KR started the second half with errors and when Matty Ashton scored within ten minutes of the restart it looked like it could be Hull KR’s game to throw away but they remained strong and were inspired by their star Mikey Lewis.
The half-back scooped up his own kick and carried three Warrington defenders over the line to make it a two-score game at 16-4 before Peta Hiku scored late on to cement the win.
It puts Hull KR top until at least Tuesday when Wigan Warriors face Leigh Leopards with the Robins level on points with Wigan but having a marginally better points difference.
Are Hull KR genuine Super League contenders?
Credit: Imago Images
The obvious answer to that question is yes and last night certainly proved that with Hull KR finally winning on the road against one of the big three in Super League. It also ended any idea of Warrington being a ‘bogey team’ for them.
However, it’s the manner of the win that makes them such valid Super League contenders as they played Warrington off the field and gave them very little in attack.
It’s led to a consensus among fans where it’s now accepted that Hull KR can genuinely make it to and win at Old Trafford.
One of those to lead that was Sky Sports commentator Mark Wilson who posted on X: “Hull KR have just become genuine Super League contenders. Magnificent performance.”
“If you doubted it before, now you don’t. Hull KR are contenders”, another argued.
One suggested that it was among the “best displays in Super League this season”.
For me that’s one of (or even) the best displays in Super League this season
KR have been outstanding
— LoinersView (@loinersview) August 2, 2024
Talk of the Grand Final was also about with Hull KR being anointed as contenders and Warrington being questioned over their exuberant celebrations against Wigan last week.
If ever there was a statement of intent from Hull KR to show they are serious Grand Final contenders this year that was it tonight
— Michael Lavelle (@mikelavelle93) August 2, 2024
Wire lacklustre after winning their grand final last week
— Tom (@tom_marsh0) August 2, 2024
“It’s always their year”, was a common sentiment from fans but with two games against London and just one more game against the current top six, there’s still plenty of time for Warrington to wrestle back the League Leaders Shield.
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