The defending Super League champions, Hull Kingston Rovers, clawed their way back into the playoff picture with a dramatic 34‑20 comeback win over local rivals Hull FC, erasing a twelve‑point shortfall to claim the derby. Hull FC entered the encounter on the back of an eight‑match losing streak in derby fixtures and looked determined to end that run, bursting out of the gates with two early scores.
Within the first eight minutes, Joe Batchelor crossed for a try, followed shortly by Davy Litten, giving the home side a comfortable 12‑0 lead. However, the Rovers refused to be intimidated.
Tom Amone and Arthur Mourgue each found the try‑line before the break, leveling the score at 12‑all at halftime. The second half began with a brief resurgence from Hull FC, as Zak Hardaker slotted a penalty to put the visitors ahead 14‑12. Yet Hull KR responded swiftly; Jack Broadbent powered over for a try and Mourgue added a penalty, restoring a six‑point advantage for the Robins. The decisive moment arrived with roughly twelve minutes remaining.
Hull FC appeared poised to strike down the right‑hand side, but Joe Burgess intercepted a pass and sprinted nearly 80 metres to score Hull KR’s fourth try of the night. Mourgue’s subsequent penalty extended the margin further, and although Jake Arthur later crossed for Hull FC, the try proved inconsequential as Jordan Dezaria added a late score for the Rovers, sealing the comeback.
Hull FC coach Andy Last reflected on the match to Sky Sports, acknowledging that his side had the game within reach early on. "We started brilliantly, went up 12‑0, and in the last 15 minutes of the first half we began to dominate the ruck," he said, before lamenting the soft tries they allowed. In the second half, Last criticised his team's inability to break out of their own half, noting Hull KR’s skill at compressing field position.
He admitted a lack of patience, especially after the Burgess intercept try, and gave credit to the opposition for being the better side on the day. Last also highlighted the impact of Jez Litten, who earned man‑of‑the‑match honours. "He dominated large portions of the game for Hull KR and was a standout performer," the Hull FC boss said, adding that there were lessons to be learned from the loss.
On the other side of the microphone, Hull KR head coach Willie Peters described the victory as a relief after a shaky start that could have turned ugly. He praised his squad’s fighting spirit, noting that the 12‑12 halftime score was far from perfect but demonstrated the resilience he wanted to see.
Peters emphasized the importance of connection within the team, stating, "Connected teams win. If we weren’t connected, we wouldn’t have come back to win tonight." Peters also spoke about the broader context for the club. With Hull KR now outside the top six for the first time in recent memory, the season presents new challenges. He hinted that the team will review its performance later in the year, but for now, the focus remains on maintaining the fight and cohesion that sparked the comeback.
Player of the match, Jez Litten, shared his thoughts on the derby’s significance. He described the encounter as "always special" and praised his teammates for sticking together despite the less‑than‑ideal quality of play. Litten highlighted the psychological boost of overturning a twelve‑point deficit, especially after a demanding couple of weeks.
"We showed resilience tonight," he said, adding that the squad still considers itself the champion team and is aware that many clubs are eager to dethrone them. Litten was candid about the work that remains.
"We’re not the full package yet and have a lot to improve on," he admitted, promising humility and dedication as the team prepares for the next fixture. The match, like all Super League games this season, was broadcast live on Sky Sports, with the network committing to air every game, including exclusive live coverage of two matches each round and additional coverage of five matches weekly. Overall, the derby showcased the unpredictable nature of rugby league, where early dominance can quickly give way to a determined comeback. Hull KR’s ability to stay composed, capitalize on turnovers, and execute under pressure turned a seemingly comfortable lead for Hull FC into a memorable victory that not only restored the Rovers to the playoff conversation but also reinforced the importance of teamwork, resilience, and strategic adaptability in high‑stakes matches.