Wigan brought Hull KR’s unbeaten run to a halt with a dramatic late surge that showcased exactly why they remain the benchmark in Super League. Despite being outplayed for large parts of the game, Wigan’s class and composure in the final stages proved decisive as they ran out 28-12 winners in a gripping encounter.
Hull KR entered the game full of confidence, unbeaten and in the midst of their best start to a league season since 1985 – the year of their last major title. With a packed crowd at Craven Park behind them, this felt like a significant moment. A win over the reigning champions would have extended their lead over Wigan at the top of the table to six points, a potentially vital early advantage.
For an hour, it looked like Hull KR were going to do exactly that. They began brightly, taking an early lead through Joe Burgess, who finished superbly in the corner. Wigan responded with a long-range try from Zach Eckersley, but the home side continued to dominate and were deservedly ahead at half-time thanks to Peta Hiku’s slicing run through the defence.
It was a physical, high-tempo contest, and Rovers maintained their edge into the second half. One moment, however, proved to be a crucial turning point. Burgess thought he had extended the lead with his second try, but it was ruled out for a knock-on. Within seconds, Wigan swept upfield with clinical precision and scored through Jake Wardle, narrowing the gap to just two points.
From that moment on, the momentum began to shift. While Hull KR continued to battle, Wigan looked increasingly composed and dangerous as the clock ticked down. With just under 10 minutes to go, Harry Smith, who was instrumental throughout, exploited a fatigued defence to dart through and give the visitors the lead for the first time in the match.
The game opened up as Hull KR pushed for a response, but Wigan’s counter-attacking ability is unmatched. Bevan French and Jai Field – a deadly combination – linked up in devastating fashion to create the try that effectively sealed the result. As the home side tired, Abbas Miski crossed in the final seconds to add further gloss to a victory that looked unlikely for most of the evening.
Despite the final scoreline, Hull KR showed once again that they are serious contenders. Their aggressive defence, attacking variety, and overall intensity troubled Wigan more than most sides have managed in recent times. They will take heart from their performance, knowing they went toe-to-toe with the champions for the majority of the game.
Still, the difference was in the execution during those final, critical moments. Wigan’s ability to remain calm under pressure, make the right decisions, and punish mistakes with ruthless efficiency continues to set them apart. While this result was a setback for Hull KR, it also reaffirmed that they are closing the gap and may yet have another shot at Wigan when the season reaches its climax.
