Hull KR Achieves First League Victory of 2026
Hull KR, the reigning champions, secured their first league win of the 2026 Super League season by defeating the winless Huddersfield Giants. After suffering two defeats at the start of their campaign, the Robins took an early lead and maintained control throughout the match, ultimately securing the two points.
Match Highlights and Scorers
Oliver Gildart, Tom Davies, and Joe Burgess each scored tries in the first half, while Mikey Lewis added two tries after the break. Davies also scored an additional try later in the game, completing Hull KR's scoring efforts. Lewis, who has scored 19 tries for Hull KR in Super League in 2025, contributed significantly with his two tries and goal-kicking, alongside Martin who added three goals.
This victory elevated Hull KR to 12th place in the league standings, surpassing Huddersfield, who dropped to the bottom of the table following their fourth consecutive loss.
Huddersfield Giants' Struggles Continue
The Giants, missing several key players, managed only one try in the second half, scored by promising young full-back George Flanagan Jr. Despite his efforts, including five of the team's eight Super League tries in 2026, Flanagan suffered an injury upon landing after catching a high kick from Tui Lolohea.
Huddersfield, who finished 10th last season, have had a difficult start, mirroring their previous campaign which began with ten straight defeats.
Match Progression and Key Moments
Hull KR, who added the World Club title this season following their triumph over the Brisbane Broncos last month, had experienced successive league defeats, including a surprising loss to newcomers York Knights and a heavy 58-6 defeat by Leeds Rhinos in Las Vegas. These setbacks left them trailing early leaders Wigan Warriors by eight points and positioned at the bottom of the table before this match.
However, Gildart's try within the first three minutes at the Accu Stadium set the tone for the Robins. Despite a dropped ball by Jez Litten during a promising attack, winger Davies responded with a well-executed try in the corner.
Huddersfield's handling errors in their own half contributed to Hull KR's dominance, with Tyrone May's miss-pass allowing Burgess to score. Early in the second half, Lewis scored a notable try, showcasing his individual skill as he maneuvered past defenders after picking up the ball just inside Huddersfield's half.
The Giants eventually scored when Flanagan caught a high kick from Lolohea and grounded the ball, but his injury dampened their momentum. Hull KR responded swiftly, with Davies finishing a slick passing move and Lewis accelerating to score the final try of the match.
Upcoming Fixtures
As the Super League takes a one-week break, both teams will meet again next Saturday at the same venue for the last-16 round of the Challenge Cup.
Team Line-Ups
Huddersfield Giants: Flanagan; Zenon, Gagai, Milne, Carr; Lolohea, Russell; Patolo, Rush, T Burgess, O'Donnell, Billington, English.
Interchanges: Powell, Rogers, King, Cozza.
Hull KR: Broadbent; Davies, Hiku, Gildart, J Burgess; Lewis, May; Sue, Litten, Hadley, Lawton, Batchelor, Minchella.
Interchanges: Amone, Luckley, Whitbread, Martin.
