Hull | Statement win for Hull KR over Wigan

Wigan Warriors 6 - 10 Hull KR

Hull KR tightened their grip on the League Leaders’ Shield with a statement victory over nearest challengers Wigan Warriors

Author | Amy W

Stadium | Brick Community Stadium

Pre match vibes

In a contest worthy of its billing as first against second, the Robins withstood a ferocious late onslaught to move six points clear at the summit with only five rounds of the regular season remaining.

Dean Hadley’s converted early try, followed by two penalties from Rhyse Martin, looked set to secure a shutout until six minutes from time when Wigan finally broke through. Adam Keighran’s try and conversion set up a dramatic finale, but the home side could not avoid a first defeat to Hull KR in front of their own fans since 2021.

The result leaves the Robins with a sizeable advantage, not only in points but in scoring differential, meaning it would take a collapse of rare proportions to let Wigan back in. On this disciplined showing, that appears highly unlikely.

Hull KR fans watch on

What seems far more probable is a rematch before the season is over, perhaps even at Old Trafford in the Grand Final on 11 October. If this pulsating encounter is anything to go by, that prospect is mouthwatering.

Errors proved Wigan’s undoing, with handling mistakes creeping into double figures. Hadley opened the scoring after 11 minutes, cutting through a gap to collect Arthur Mourgue’s delayed pass. Martin added the conversion for a 6-0 lead, and the game became a scrappy, high-stakes affair, with both sides spilling possession.

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Wigan’s Liam Farrell handed the visitors another opportunity on 34 minutes, tackling Elliot Minchella off the ball as he chased a grubber. Referee Liam Moore opted for a penalty rather than a penalty try after video review, with Farrell shown a yellow card and Martin slotting the kick for an 8-0 lead.

Another penalty early in the second half stretched the advantage to 10 points. Wigan rallied, with Keighran instrumental in sparking their late surge, but a knock-on in the dying seconds brought their charge to a halt and sealed a Hull KR victory that underlined their credentials as the team to beat.