Hull KR have beaten Hull FC 24-6 in the opening game of Super League’s Good Friday triple header, with Joe Burgess scoring twice in the win.
Jack Broadbent, Oliver Gildart and Jez Litten also crossed as they took victory in game one of three meetings between the two sides in 2026.
FC suffered two major injuries in the game, whilst one of those try-scorers earned the Man of the Match award.
Willie Peters takes the win in what will be his final Good Friday derby as Hull KR boss, and here are the major talking points from the game.
Hull KR v Hull FC talking points
John Asiata injury:
Losing the Hull derby is bad enough, but FC are potentially about to suffer an even bigger blow with their star man Asiata set for a spell on the sidelines.
Just six games into his return from a six-month absence, the former Leigh man was helped from the field in what looked to be a hamstring injury, though that is yet to be confirmed.
If Hull are to have any sort of success this season, you’d expect Asiata to be a key part of that but with him potentially out again, it puts a huge dent into John Cartwright’s play-off chances this campaign.
To make matters worse, centre/back rower Arthur Romano also had to be helped from the field with five minutes to go, in what is another injury to the FC forward pack. Joe Batchelor also left the field just 20 minutes into his return, with an update on his status yet to be given.
Martin denied – controversially
In the same set that Asiata left the action, Lewis Martin was denied a try in the left corner that would have seen FC level, and potentially lead, the game.
However, video referee Liam Rush deemed there was enough substantial evidence to say that Martin had dropped the ball after numerous looks at the replay.
Following that, KR went on to score twice to take a 20-6 lead with 10 to go. FC fans will be left questioning what could have been if that score was awarded.
“Lucky boy” Minchella
KR captain Elliot Minchella could, and perhaps should, have been at the very least penalised for a shoulder to the head of FC’s Sam Lisone. The former Leeds man put on a strong carry and had multipple Robins defenders around him before Michella came in the challenge.
Lisone originally went down holding his head but then got straight back up to play the ball. The replay showed a clear view of the challenge, leaving Sky Sports commentator Jon Wells to say the loose forward is a “lucky boy” to still be on the field.
Ill-disciplined FC:
Cartwright’s side were their own worst enemy, particularly in the opening first 20 minutes. Countless penalties and ‘six agains’ conceded by the away side gifted KR field position, and that allowed them to cross for their opening two tries.
Their error count improved slightly towards the end of the opening half, and it was KR who began to make errors. Mikey Lewis’ poor kick as we headed to the break fell into FC hands, and from the back of that it gave the Black and Whites field position to set up Tom Briscoe’s try.
In total, FC made 12 errors, as their ill-discipline continued following Asiata’s exit. KR were far from perfect, but they managed to get the basics right on more occasions and that went a long way into securing them victory.
Brilliant Broadbent:
The Hull KR full-back was arguably the best player on the pitch in the first half. Scoring the opening try, it was his defensive efforts that also earned him plaudits, as he raced across the pitch to stop Lewis Martin from scoring in the left corner, putting his body on the line in the process. His efforts across the game earned him the Man of the Match award.
Willie Peters will have a big selection headache once Arthur Mourgue is back fit. As it was last season, Broadbent could find himself as a back-up despite his talent making a case for him to become a Super League starter.
Jake Arthur absence:
FC’s recent wins over Leeds and Catalans were largely influenced by the efforts of Jake Arthur, who featured in the seven role in both of those games. A calf injury ruled him out of today’s derby, and he is also a doubt for next week too.
Aidan Sezer returned in his place, as he partnered with Zak Hardaker in the halves. The pair couldn’t take control of the game and Arthur’s kicking game of the previous two weeks was significantly missed at Craven Park.
