Hull KR

Rovers rue missed first-half opportunities, Leeds second-half energy and Hull KR v Leeds Rhinos talking points

by
Sian Reed
July 6, 2025

Hull KR v Leeds Rhinos as Lachlan Miller celebrates scoring a try

Hull KR and Leeds Rhinos played out the last game of Super League round 17 at Craven Park, as two of the in-form sides went head-to-head.

It was a game of two halves as Rovers let an 8-0 half-time lead go, and Leeds scored 14 unanswered points in the second half.

The loss was just the Robins’ second of the season, but they still remain four points clear at the top of the league.

For the Rhinos, they go back into third and now sit just two points behind Wigan Warriors in second.

After a rollercoaster game, here are the main talking points from the match between Hull KR and Leeds Rhinos.

Hull KR v Leeds Rhinos talking points

A tense affair

There were high shots and intensity aplenty in a high-stakes game. We knew it was going to be a physical battle, especially considering both sides’ forward packs, and it lived up to that. Both sides had plenty of chances, but there were a few mistakes for both the home and away sides. Dropped balls and forward passes added to the dramatics, as it felt like both sides were trying a little too hard at times.

Hull KR rue missed try opportunities in the first half

Rovers had two tries disallowed for forward passes in the first half when, arguably, they should’ve been ahead by about 20-0 going into half-time. Both wingers, Tom Davies and Joe Burgess, would’ve added their names to the scoresheet, but each attempt was ruled out.

Considering their start to the second half, those chances could’ve won them the game in the first forty minutes. Instead, Leeds were the better side after half-time and managed to snag themselves a victory.

Rhinos much more urgency and energy in second half

Leeds really amped up their intensity in the second half, scoring just seven minutes in through Sam Lisone. Whilst Rovers looked like they were struggling a little, the Rhinos took advantage of that. Rhinos also scored a superb team try in the 68th minute, with Lachlan Miller finishing off a length-of-the-field try.

Another eye gouge incident

Rhinos centre Harry Newman reported an eye gouge in the 47th minute, just after Leeds’ first try from Sam Lisone. On replay, it looked like there was a hand on Newman’s face in the tackle. The incident was placed on report before Hull KR kicked off again and now the RFL’s disciplinary panel will look at it over the next couple of days.

Mikey Lewis’ failed HIA

Lewis went off in the 28th minute for an HIA and didn’t return in the second half. Failure to pass the assessment means he’ll miss next week’s trip to Leigh Leopards on Saturday. There was some confusion on whether or not KR could activate their 18th man, Jack Brown. However, because the incident resulted in just a penalty, rather than a card or an on-report call, they were unable to do so.

Missing Lewis in such a big game against not only Leeds but also Leigh next week is huge. However, Jez Litten has stepped into the halves when required and done more than an admirable job. They could also recall Danny Richardson from his loan spell at Salford Red Devils.