Hull | KR win League Leaders' Shield

Hull KR 28 - 20 Warrington Wolves

Arthur Mourgue’s superb solo try inspired Hull Kingston Rovers to their first ever League Leaders’ Shield as they held off a spirited Warrington Wolves fightback.

Author | Jeremy Watson

Stadium | Craven Park

The Robins needed victory to leapfrog Wigan Warriors into top spot, and they looked in control at half-time with a 10-point advantage thanks to two tries from Noah Booth and one from Tyrone May, cancelling out Josh Thewlis’s early opener.

Warrington, who had won just one of their previous eight matches and named a youthful side, responded with resilience. Sam Stone, Adam Holroyd and a second try from Thewlis turned the contest in their favour and stunned the home support.

But Mourgue’s breakaway effort from inside his own half swung the momentum back to Rovers, and May crossed again to confirm top spot for the first time since the 1984-85 season, adding to their Challenge Cup triumph in June.

A closer look at a memorable night

Warrington struck first through winger Thewlis, who leapt above Booth to collect Marc Sneyd’s high kick and score.

May’s acceleration through a gap levelled the game, before Booth, back from a loan spell at Hunslet, continued his fine scoring form with a brace that made it seven tries in six outings and gave the Robins a comfortable cushion at the break.

That advantage was cut when 17-year-old stand-off Ewan Irwin, making his first start for Warrington, produced a deft grubber kick for Stone to touch down. Holroyd then powered over to draw the visitors level, and Thewlis added his second following a delightful flick pass from Matt Dufty.

With nerves jangling after Wakefield Trinity had spoiled the celebrations a week earlier, it was Mourgue who broke clear from deep to restore the Robins’ lead, converted by Rhyse Martin. The tension inside the stadium was finally lifted when May darted through for his second try, with Martin adding the extras to spark jubilant scenes.

A memorable season for Hull KR fans and it could get even better

Hull Kingston Rovers have spent almost the entire season at the top of Super League and sealed the League Leaders’ Shield on the final day with victory over Warrington.

The Robins now stand on the brink of a historic treble, having already lifted the Challenge Cup in June, their first triumph in the competition since 1980.

Willie Peters’ side came close to topping the table last year, finishing two points behind Wigan, who went on to defeat them in the Super League Grand Final. This season they began in blistering fashion, winning their first nine matches in all competitions.

That run was halted by a 28-12 defeat to Wigan, but Rovers responded with 11 consecutive wins, a sequence that included their Wembley success against Warrington.

A dip in form followed with defeats by Leeds Rhinos and Leigh Leopards, the first time they had lost back-to-back matches since May 2024, and it allowed Wigan back into contention. Yet a crucial 10-6 victory at the DW Stadium in mid-August restored a six-point cushion with five games remaining. Even after last week’s setback against Wakefield, the Robins held their nerve to complete the task against Wire.

Last season’s Man of Steel, Mikey Lewis, has once again been a standout performer in a team boasting both the league’s most potent attack and the tightest defence.