Defending Super League champions Hull KR clawed their way back into the playoff picture with a dramatic 34‑20 comeback win over local rivals Hull FC, erasing a 12‑point shortfall to claim the derby. The victory marked a significant turnaround for the Rovers, who had been trailing in the standings and needed a statement performance to re‑establish themselves among the league’s elite. Hull FC entered the encounter on the back of an eight‑match losing streak in derby fixtures, making the early burst of scoring all the more crucial.
Within the first eight minutes, the home side surged ahead, crossing the try line twice – first through Joe Batchelor and then Davy Litten – to build a 12‑0 lead. The early dominance suggested that the hosts might finally break their derby hoodoo.
However, the Rovers refused to be intimidated. Hull KR responded with a pair of scores before the break, courtesy of Tom Amone and Arthur Mourgue, which leveled the score at 12‑12 at halftime. The momentum shift was evident, as the visitors began to assert themselves in the ruck and apply sustained pressure on Hull FC’s defensive line.
The second half opened with a brief resurgence from the home team. Zak Hardaker slotted a penalty that nudged Hull FC ahead 14‑12, but the lead was short‑lived.
Jack Broadbent’s try, followed by another penalty from Mourgue, swung the advantage back to the Rovers, putting them six points ahead. The decisive moment arrived with just twelve minutes remaining. Hull FC appeared poised to exploit space on the right wing, but Joe Burgess intercepted a pass and sprinted nearly 80 metres to the opposition’s try‑line, securing Hull KR’s fourth try of the match. The intercept not only extended the lead but also underscored the Rovers’ defensive resilience under pressure.
Mourgue added a further penalty, stretching the margin further, while Hull FC’s late try by Jake Arthur proved inconsequential as Jordan Dezaria crossed for another Hull KR score in the closing stages. The final whistle confirmed a 34‑20 triumph for the Rovers, who reclaimed a spot in the playoff race. Hull FC coach Andy Last reflected on the game in his post‑match interview with Sky Sports: "We started brilliantly, going up 12‑0, and for a while it felt like the match was ours.
In the last fifteen minutes of the first half we began to dominate the ruck, but then we allowed a couple of soft tries. In the second half we struggled to get out of our own half – Hull KR are excellent at choking off field position. We had a chance with fifteen minutes left, but we lacked the patience to keep them pinned back.
Burgess’s intercept try was a back‑breaker. Credit to Hull KR – they were the better side today." He also praised the performance of Hull KR’s man of the match, Jez Litten, saying, "He dominated large portions of the game for Hull KR.
It’s a lesson for us moving forward." Rovers head coach Willie Peters also shared his thoughts: "It was a relieving victory after a shaky start that could have turned ugly. If anyone doubted our fighting spirit before kickoff, this is the proof they needed. Going into halftime level at 12‑12 wasn’t perfect, but I wanted to see that fight, and the squad delivered." Peters added perspective on the club’s evolving status: "We’re in new territory now, outside the top six, which presents a fresh challenge. We’ll learn a lot about ourselves this season and review our progress later in the year.
There’s no disconnect – when I talk about disconnect I mean on‑field miscommunication. Connected teams win, plain and simple.
If we weren’t connected, we wouldn’t have turned this game around." Player of the match Jez Litten, speaking to Sky Sports, highlighted the significance of derby fixtures: "Derbies are always special. It wasn’t the prettiest game, but we stuck together and earned another derby win. Coming back from a 12‑point deficit showed our resilience. The last few weeks have been tough, but what matters is the conversations we have behind those dressing‑room walls." He continued, "We proved we’re still the champion team, even as we head into the business end of the season.
Many teams want to knock us off, but we’re not the full package yet. We have a lot to improve, and we’ll stay humble and work on our game next week." The win also carries broader implications for the Super League landscape.
Hull KR’s resurgence adds another competitive side to the playoff mix, while Hull FC must regroup quickly to halt their derby losing streak. Both clubs will look ahead to upcoming fixtures, hoping to build on the lessons learned from this intense encounter. Sky Sports confirmed that it will continue broadcasting every Super League match live throughout the season, offering two exclusive live games each round and covering the remaining five matches weekly on its main channel. This ensures fans can follow the unfolding drama of the league, including high‑stakes derbies like the one that just unfolded in Hull.