Hull KR moved to third in Super League with a comfortable win over York Knights as the Robins bounced back from last week’s dramatic late loss to Wakefield Trinity.
After going behind early on, Hull KR put together a clinical performance to win 38-6 with Tom Davies scoring two tries whilst having another disallowed.
Having lost late on to Wakefield last night, Hull KR were hoping to bounce back and also avenge their round one loss against the Knights, which went down as one of the biggest shocks in Super League history.
It looked like the Knights could be set for another upset win as they took the lead through Jon Bennison as Hull KR failed to execute a short goal-line drop-out, however, the hosts quickly got themselves in front.
Tom Davies scored the first and fifth of the first half as Mikey Lewis, Joe Burgess and James Batchelor also got on the score sheet. Jack Broadbent and Rhyse Martin scored just after the hour mark to cement the result.
We’ve picked out some of the key talking points from what was a strong win for the Robins.
Brad Arthur commits to Leeds Rhinos, Hull KR lose back-to-back and Captain’s Challenge rule debated – Click here to listen to this week’s episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show
Hull KR and York Knights talking points
Magic Mikey and May
There are plenty of exceptional half-back pairings in Super League and whilst Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors have plenty to say, Mikey Lewis and Tyrone May are certainly contenders for the best duo.
Lewis forced the drop-out and then managed to score in an arcing run to the left to put Hull KR ahead. The man who assisted him inevitably was Tyrone May but it was then Lewis’ time to turn assister as he set up Joe Burgess.
The pair continued to work their magic throughout with May influential in creating Jack Broadbent’s try, breaking the line and then teeing his full-back up for a walk-in score that put the game well out of York’s reach.
Hull KR set for massive six weeks
Having moved to third in the table, Hull KR now look set for a massive month and a half with their upcoming fixtures set to truly tell us if they are the same force that they were last year.
They’ll host Leigh Leopards next Friday before travelling to Headingley to take on current leaders Leeds Rhinos. Magic Weekend against Hull FC follows before another game against last week’s victors Wakefield Trinity.
Warrington Wolves on the road will be next up before they take on Hull FC at the MKM, signifying a huge six games for Willie Peters’ side. Five wins or more and they could well be knocking on the door of first but anything less and they can wave goodbye to their hopes of retaining the League Leaders Shield.
Tevita Pangai Jr the difference maker
Hull KR have found themselves a possible star in Tevita Pangai Jr with the former State of Origin man showing exactly why he played at such a high level.
It’s early days with the prop forward still clearly not fully fit after a spell playing rugby union in France, however, the cameo he played was very impressive and gave Hull KR fans plenty to get exited about.
His first carry showcased why he is such a point of difference with the big forward drawing three tacklers and finding his feet quick with the Robins scoring off the resulting play the ball. He then landed an offload on his next carry that allowed an explosive Jack Broadbent break and a similar offload offered similar results in the second half.
If the Robins can get him fit and firing then they’ve found themselves a huge point of difference akin to how Wigan Warriors use Patrick Mago and that could be massive.
Injury issue
Oliver Gildart, who has played in all but one game for Hull KR this season, will not be playing next week in the big game against Leigh Leopards in a major blow for the Robins.
The star centre went off at the half hour mark with what was later confirmed to be a failed HIA, however, that wasn’t the only injury concern for Hull KR with star man Mikey Lewis also picking up a worrying knock.
When carrying the ball hard, Lewis found his leg stuck under the tackler with York’s Liam Harris immediately calling for the physio and whilst Lewis remained on the field, it’s certainly something to be looked at in the coming week.
The Robins get back to winning ways 🐦#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/plTsxQvyzy
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) June 12, 2026
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