York win Super League opener as comeback sees off Hull KR
York Knight's first game in the Super League saw them beat last season's treble winners Hull KR
Last updated 13th Feb 2026
Newly-promoted York produced a remarkable comeback to stun defending champions Hull KR in their first ever Betfred Super League match following a 19-18 victory at the LNER Community Stadium.
The Robins had a 2025 season to remember after securing the Betfred Challenge Cup, the League Leaders' Shield and their maiden Grand Final triumph for a magnificent treble for Willie Peters' outfit.
However, the Knights were fired up on their Super League debut and first top-flight match since 1986, scoring the opening try of the new campaign through Sam Wood in the 17th minute.
York held Rovers to a 6-6 half-time scoreline before the visitors surged into a 12-point lead through Jai Whitbread's second try and Sausao Sue's effort.
The dynamic changed when star half-back Mikey Lewis was sin-binned for kicking out at Liam Harris on the hour and the home side turned the match on its head.
Wood grabbed his second score before winger Scott Galeano dotted down to level the match with six minutes remaining.
Ata Hingano then slotted over the vital drop-goal in the 76th minute to seal an outstanding triumph in the 2026 Super League season opener.
York showed they were up for the fight when prop Xavier Va'a flattened Rovers hooker Jez Litten with a fierce drive with just 48 seconds on the clock.
Rovers pinned their hosts on their goal-line for the opening exchanges, but the Knights held firm and were rewarded in the 18th minute.
They worked the ball downfield before former Man of Steel winner Paul McShane found Wood on the short side to dive over for York's first ever Super League try.
Liam Harris missed the touchline conversion before Hull KR resumed their territorial dominance and finally got on the scoreboard in the 33rd minute.
A nice break from Litten picked up the away side's momentum and Whitbread powered his way over for the equalising score.
Rhyse Martin converted to put Rovers narrowly ahead, though, Harris levelled at 6-6 on the stroke of half-time with a 30-metre penalty.
Whitbread had a second score ruled out for double movement, but he was not to be denied in the 48th minute when he drove over once again.
The Robins extended their lead to 18-6 when Sue walked in under the posts from close range before the visitors were reduced to 12 when Lewis was shown a yellow card and the outlook of the match changed.
The Knights took advantage as Wood crossed for his second try in the 65th minute and Lewis' return to field could not stop York's momentum.
Tom Davies failed to gather Hingano's grubber kick, leaving Galeano to collect unmarked before Harris' conversion levelled the match.
The home fans were in delirium when Hingano slotted over a late drop-goal and they negotiated the final four minutes with stern defence, while Hull KR head into next week's World Club Challenge with Brisbane Broncos on the back of a damaging defeat.