Hull KR will end 2026 3-0 over rivals Hull FC, after a 34-20 win that ends their two-match losing run.
Going 12-0 down after eight minutes, it looked like the Robins’ woes would continue, but they would be able to regroup, and two tries before half-time saw them head into the sheds level.
A penalty goal for FC saw them take the lead early into the second half, but that would be their final points until a consolation try from Jake Arthur made the scoreline slightly more respectable.
Joe Burgess’ matchwinner and a late score from Jordan Dezaria would seal the two point for Willie Peters’ men, with Arthur Mourgue’s two penalty goals heaping on the scoreboard pressure.
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Hull FC v Hull KR talking points
Burgess returns to break FC hearts:
After missing last week’s defeat to Warrington due to a mix of selection and a shoulder issue, winger Joe Burgess returned to the side and made an immediate impact, including scoring the game-changing and match-winning try.
Jake Arthur’s wayward pass went straight to the England international, who raced the length of the field to seal the victory and increase the Robins’ lead from six to 12.
Logan Moy did his best to make the cover tackle, but an excellent fend from the KR man saw him off with ease.
No Lewis? No problem:
With star man Mikey Lewis suspended, it forced other Robins players to step up, and that they did.
Arthur Mourgue was used in the halves, and whilst he didn’t have a great game overall, his 100% record from the tee was pivotal this evening.
Tom Amone had a stormer of a game off the bench, whilst Tyrone May pulled the strings when it mattered.
However, the star man this evening was undoubtedly Jez Litten, who had to play both hooker and in-play kicker with Lewis on the sidelines.
Creating two tries, his excellent dummy half runs were just as crucial as his defence, and he has arguably proved that not only is he still one of England’s best hookers, but that he is more important to the Robins than Lewis is.
FC Strong for 10, poor for 70:
It was a blistering start for the home side, who scored two early tries to take a 12-0 lead within the opening 10 minutes.
That scoreline would be a shock to many, but as the game continued, they would revert back to efforts of old this season as ill-discipline would see them fall away.
Too many times this season, be it under John Cartwright or Andy Last, FC have not competed for the full 80. It looked like they might do it after the opening quarter, but the Robins proved too strong for their biggest rivals.
Captain’s Challenge shockers:
As the Robins continued their recent trend of awful starts, it took just 92 seconds for the side to use their captain’s challenge.
Skipper Elliot Minchella dropped the ball in the tackle, and after the rush of blood to his head told him to challenge the decision, it proved to be a woeful usage of the challenge so early in the game.
That would come back to bite them, as later in the first half, Karl Lawton was deemed to have knocked on after a Jez Litten break. There were definitely FC hands involved, and at the time KR were 12-6 down and needed the field position to forge a comeback.
Hull FC would then waste their challenge in equally baffling fashion. Amir Bourouh deliberately passed the ball into Sam Luckley, who was retreating from the ruck. A penalty was awarded against the hooker, and they opted to challenge with no avail.
Willie ends KR career undefeated at MKM:
Not only will Peters end his Rovers career with 10 wins from 11 Hull derbies, but he also ends it undefeated at the MKM Stadium.
Including tonight’s result, the Australian has guided KR to six wins over the Black and Whites, whilst their other victory came against the Brisbane Broncos in this year’s World Club Challenge.
In away games against FC under Peters, they have scored 180 points, and conceded just 40.
