Hull KR made a triumphant return to Super League action on Friday, June 13, 2025, following their recent Challenge Cup victory, as they hosted Catalans Dragons in a Round 14 clash at a sold-out Sewell Group Craven Park. The atmosphere was electric, with home supporters eager to see if the Robins could continue their impressive form and fend off any chance of a Challenge Cup hangover.
Hull KR, under the guidance of coach Willie Peters, entered the match as league leaders and strong contenders for a treble this season. Their opponent, Catalans Dragons, were struggling badly, sitting ninth in the Super League standings and having lost their previous five matches. The Dragons had also failed to score in their last three outings, a worrying trend that looked set to continue.
The Dragons were led on an interim basis by former Hull KR and Catalans back-rower Joel Tomkins, who stepped in after the sacking of Steve McNamara. Despite his efforts, the Perpignan-based team looked out of sorts and were unable to stem the tide of Hull KR’s relentless attack.
From the kickoff, it was clear the Robins were in a party mood, eager to celebrate their recent Challenge Cup success with a commanding performance. Noah Booth, making an impact off the bench after replacing Joe Burgess, was among the standout performers, scoring twice, including a spectacular corner try that pushed the score to 50-6. Jack Broadbent, the utility king, was named the official player of the match for his contribution of one try and two assists, demonstrating his versatility and influence on the field.
James Batchelor was also recognized inside the stadium as the player of the match, highlighting the collective effort of the Hull KR squad. Mikey Lewis added to the scoreboard with his 14th Super League try, darting over from dummy-half to extend their lead to 48-6. The team’s precision and attacking flair were on full display, with Arthur Mourgue converting an impressive 10 goals from 12 attempts, further cementing Hull KR’s dominance.
The match was not without its dramatic moments. Catalans Dragons captain Benjamin Garcia was sent off following a mass brawl after an incident where he punched a Hull KR player, earning a straight red card. This event further destabilized the Dragons, who were already grappling with a difficult run of form.
By halftime, Hull KR had built a commanding 32-0 lead, and the Dragons’ woes continued to mount. They set a new unwanted Super League record by going 292 minutes without scoring, surpassing Wakefield’s 2023 record of 259 minutes. This meant the Dragons had gone nearly five hours of play without registering a single point, an astonishing and troubling statistic for the team and their supporters.
Despite their best efforts, Catalans managed only one try, scored by Luke Keary, his second of the season, who broke through Hull KR’s defense after a clever dummy. However, this was a rare bright spot in an otherwise bleak performance for the Dragons, who suffered their biggest-ever Super League defeat in a humiliating 68-6 loss.
The game also saw several changes to the starting lineups. Hull KR included Arthur Mourgue, Tom Davies, Peta Hiku, Jack Broadbent, and Noah Booth in their XIII, with Bill Leyland and Eribe Doro coming off the bench. Catalans fielded Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet, Tommy Makinson, Matthieu Laguerre, Reimis Smith, and Nick Cotric, among others, but the team’s cohesion was lacking.
The defeat leaves Catalans Dragons in a precarious position, with their playoff hopes fading fast. The team’s inability to score and defensive frailties have been exposed repeatedly in recent weeks, and the interim coaching setup under Joel Tomkins has yet to find a solution. The red card to captain Garcia only adds to the challenges facing the club.
Meanwhile, Hull KR’s emphatic victory and dominant display have sent a clear message to the rest of the Super League: this is a side to be reckoned with. With the Challenge Cup trophy still fresh in their hands and a commanding lead atop the league table, the Robins are well-positioned to chase down a historic treble this season.
The party atmosphere at Craven Park was palpable as the final whistle blew, with players and fans alike celebrating a memorable night. The Challenge Cup trophy was paraded proudly, symbolizing a new era of success for Hull KR. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Willie Peters’ side to see if they can maintain this blistering form.
For Catalans Dragons, the road ahead is daunting. They must regroup quickly, address their scoring drought, and find stability if they hope to climb the league standings and avoid further ignominy. The Super League record books now bear witness to their struggles, but the season is far from over.
As the league moves forward, the contrast between Hull KR’s soaring confidence and Catalans’ desperate fight for form sets the stage for an intriguing narrative in the weeks to come. Fans can expect intense battles, dramatic turnarounds, and the relentless pursuit of glory that defines the Super League.
In the meantime, Hull KR’s emphatic 68-6 victory over Catalans Dragons remains a standout moment, showcasing the power of momentum, teamwork, and belief. The Robins have their destiny in their hands, and the Super League is watching closely.
