Warrington Wolves secured a hard‑won 34‑28 triumph over Hull KR in the rescheduled Super League round‑two clash at Sewell Group Craven Park, a victory that moved them to within two points of the top of the table. The fixture, originally slated 22 rounds earlier, had to be postponed when the Robins were on a trip to Las Vegas. The new date proved favourable for Sam Burgess’s side, who seized the opportunity to claim all three points.
Hull KR’s most notable storyline was the return of Mikey Lewis from a four‑game suspension. Lewis had missed the first half of the season, during which the Robins had won each of those four matches. Upon his comeback, Lewis was sent to the sin‑bin after a dangerous tackle on Warrington kicker Ewan Irwin. Burgess labeled the challenge "dangerous" and warned that such a high‑risk move would be dealt with more severely in the NRL.
The game began with Hull KR taking an early lead when Rhyse Martin slotted a penalty goal after Warrington were penalised for a high tackle on French centre Arthur Mourgue. The Robins then struggled with basic errors, dropping the ball twice and conceding another penalty, which allowed Warrington to gain momentum.
After forcing three repeat sets, the Wolves broke the deadlock when Albert Hopoate dived over in the corner following a sweeping move from left to right, giving Warrington a 4‑2 lead after Irwin missed the conversion. Hull KR responded quickly.
A penalty awarded for a holding offence saw Irwin convert, putting the visitors ahead 10‑2. The hosts, however, fought back before halftime.
Lewis, on his first play back from suspension, pounced on a well‑timed kick from Jez Litten and grounded the ball in the in‑goal area. A minute later Karl Lawton powered over, both tries being converted by Mourgue, which flipped the score to a 14‑10 advantage for Hull KR at the break. The second half belonged to Warrington.
Within three minutes of the restart, prop Toafoa Sipley powered over from a short range after a crisp pass from Danny Walker, with Irwin adding the conversion to restore the Wolves’ lead. The momentum continued as Warrington’s forwards kept the pressure on, and at the 50‑minute mark Mourgue’s penalty goal levelled the scores at 14‑14.
A brief flare‑up saw players from both sides converge after a contentious block by Mourgue on Walker. The referee awarded a penalty to Warrington, and Irwin’s successful kick nudged the Wolves ahead 16‑14.
Shortly after, Lewis kicked the ball out on the full for the second time, giving Warrington a prime attacking platform. Liam Byrne seized the opportunity, bursting through the defensive line to score a try that was converted, extending the lead to 22‑14 as the game entered its final quarter. Warrington’s on‑field chemistry shone in the closing stages.
George Williams slipped inside Litten’s defence to touch down, then delivered a superb kick that Hopoate finished with composure, pushing the score to 30‑14. Late‑stage consolation tries from Hull KR’s Dean Hadley and Tevita Pangai Jnr added two points each, but they were insufficient to overturn the deficit.
After the match, player of the game George Williams spoke to Sky Sports, praising Lewis for his calm demeanor despite the disciplinary setback and calling him one of the competition’s finest talents. Head coach Sam Burgess expressed pride in his squad’s resilience, acknowledging that the first half did not reflect the team’s quality and that the second half, while dominant in many areas, still left room for improvement. He highlighted the collective effort and the physicality displayed throughout the contest. Hull KR’s coach Willie Peters admitted the second half was difficult to watch, citing defensive lapses that led to the flood of tries.
He lamented the missed opportunities and the tries they allowed, while also recognising Warrington’s strength. Peters said he would review the incident involving Lewis to determine its severity.
The win not only boosted Warrington’s points tally but also signalled their intent to challenge for the league’s top spot. With the Super League schedule continuing, fans can follow live action on Sky Sports, which will broadcast every game this season, offering two exclusive live matches per round and additional fixtures on Sky Sports+.
Overall, the match showcased a dramatic swing in fortunes, a blend of disciplined defence and opportunistic attacking play, and highlighted the fine margins that separate victory from defeat in top‑flight rugby league.