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Hull KR Triumphs Over Leeds in Tense Encounter
In a gripping showdown at AMT Headingley Stadium, Hull KR overcame a 14-6 deficit, rallying to clinch a 20-14 victory against Leeds Rhinos. The match saw intense physicality, culminating in both teams finishing with 12 players following key red cards.
Hull KR looked to be in trouble when Sauaso Sue received a red card. This event, coupled with Lachlan Miller’s successful penalty conversion, put Leeds in a commanding position with less than 20 minutes to play, threatening to hand Hull KR their second loss this season.
However, after Ash Handley was also dismissed, Hull KR found their rhythm. James Broadbent’s second try, along with efforts from James Batchelor and Mikey Lewis, allowed the Robins to secure this hard-earned win. This victory marks Hull KR’s sixth consecutive triumph over Leeds and strengthens their position at the top of the Betfred Super League, maintaining a four-point lead. Wigan could potentially reduce that gap to two points with a win against Hull FC this Sunday.
For Leeds, the defeat means they remain sixth in the standings, suffering their fourth loss despite previously achieving back-to-back victories against lower-ranked teams, Salford and Huddersfield. They may feel the outcome was a missed opportunity.
The match featured Jack Sinfield, son of Leeds legend Kevin, making an unexpected start. His debut was marred by an early sin-bin for a high tackle on Hull KR’s Arthur Mourgue.
After a slow start, Leeds equalized thanks to Miller’s quick pass, allowing Handley to score in the left corner following Connor’s clever grubber kick. The teams remained tied at 6-6 at halftime after a series of penalties were exchanged and a missed drop-goal attempt from Lewis.
Leeds initially took control in the second half, benefiting from Hull KR’s struggles when Sue was sent off after a collision that caught Sam Lisone in the head. This setback seemed to give Leeds the upper hand as Miller extended their lead to eight points with another penalty.
Yet, Hull KR demonstrated resilience. Following a disallowed try due to a knock-on, Broadbent seized an opportunity to level the scores, crossing the line again after a well-executed play. Handley’s red card for a late hit brought the match back into balance, setting the stage for Batchelor’s try in the right corner, albeit with a missed conversion that left the score at 14-14.
With the clock winding down, Mikey Lewis delivered the decisive blow, sprinting for the line after receiving a pass from Broadbent, with Mourgue successfully converting the try to secure the victory.
Coaches React to Red Cards
Post-match, Hull KR’s coach Willie Peters expressed his thoughts on Sue’s red card, emphasizing that such incidents are part of the game, but felt it was an unwarranted decision. He remarked on the second half’s challenges and praised his team’s commitment and tactical execution.
Leeds coach Brad Arthur shared similar sentiments regarding the red cards, arguing that a sin-bin would have sufficed for both players involved. Sky Sports pundit Jon Wilkin echoed this viewpoint, stating that neither incident warranted a red card, believing they were rather misinterpretations by the officials.
Upcoming Fixtures
Thurs April 24: Warrington 32-18 St Helens
Fri April 25: Leeds 14-20 Hull KR
Sat April 26: Huddersfield vs Castleford – 3pm
Sat April 26: Salford vs Leigh – 5.30pm – exclusively live on Sky Sports
Sat April 26: Catalans vs Wakefield – 5.30pm
Sun April 27: Hull FC vs Wigan – 3pm
Sky Sports is set to broadcast every game of the Super League this season, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of the action.
Source
www.skysports.com