Jon Wilkin makes Hull KR statement after Wigan Warriors’ loss

Sky Sports pundit Jon Wilkin has made a bold statement about Hull KR after Super League rivals Wigan Warriors’ latest loss.

Matt Peet’s side fell to their second loss in three weeks when Leigh downed them 18-8 in the battle of the borough, keeping Wigan scoreless in the second-half as they came from 8-0 down to win.

Hull KR can now extend their lead atop Super League to six points when they play on Sunday, however, Leeds Rhinos will provide a very stiff test but that’s not stopped Jon Wilkin declaring the League Leaders Shield as ‘Hull KR’s to lose’.

Wilkin was one of the pundits to watch Wigan’s loss to Leigh, alongside Sam Tomkins and host Brian Carney on Sky Sports, and the debate raged over the League Leaders Shield and who exactly is the best team in Super League.

“I think it’s Hull KR’s to lose absolutely now,” declared Wilkin.

“That buffer Hull KR could build… Round 22 we were billing that as ‘that could the be moment where we find out’, I think we’re not far off finding out.”

Sam Tomkins labels Hull KR as Super League’s best side

Victory at Craven Park on Sunday would see Hull KR go six points clear with 20 to play for and a far superior points difference than Wigan. The teams do face each other once more as well but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Wigan lose more games given their current form.

That potentially won’t matter in the eyes of Sam Tomkins who boldly labelled Willie Peters’ side as the better team, especially whilst Wigan are without Bevan French.

The former Wigan full-back said: “I think Hull KR are the best side. Wigan losing Bevan French, they’ve just lost that get out of jail free card.

“That bit of brilliance Bevan can come up with, no one else in the competition can – which he should do, that’s why he’s a marquee player, highest paid player for the club and that’s whay they pay him to do.

“They’ve lost that, they still have a very good team. Wigan haven’t turned into a bad team, they’re in a bit of bad form but they’re certainly not a bad team.”

Brian Carney pointed out that Jon Wilkin had previously labelled Wigan the best team, however, he also pointed to French’s absence.

Wilkin said: “Yeah, that comment was made when Bevan French was fit… I think they’re both great teams, you’re splitting hairs by saying who’s the best, they’re both able to produce great performances.

“What I’ll say about Wigan is, losing here tonight was far from ideal. They wanted to win the League Leaders’ Shield, they would have wanted to go to Wembley, they could easily beat Hull KR at Old Trafford. They’re the best two teams, for me by a stretch.”

Tomkins concluded: I don’t think there’s a great amount between them. Current form says Hull KR but I think on their day, either of those teams are very tough to beat.”

Hull KR face Leeds Rhinos at 3:00 pm on Sunday afternoon as they bid for the chance to pull six points clear.

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— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) July 4, 2025