In a thrilling encounter at Headingley Stadium on April 25, 2025, Hull KR staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Leeds Rhinos 20-14, securing vital league points in the Betfred Super League. The match was not only notable for the dramatic finish but also for the contentious red cards that left both teams with only 12 players on the field.
Initially, it seemed Leeds would hold on for the victory, leading 14-6 with just 15 minutes to go. However, Hull KR's resilience shone through as they scored three tries in the final quarter of the match. The turning point came when Hull KR's prop Sauaso Sue was sent off in the 58th minute for a tackle deemed dangerous, catching the head of Leeds' Sam Lisone. This decision was met with widespread debate, as both coaches later expressed their disagreement with the referee's call.
Leeds capitalized on Sue's dismissal, with Lachlan Miller converting a penalty to extend their lead. However, the tide turned when Leeds' captain Ash Handley received a red card for a late hit on Hull KR's Arthur Mourgue just minutes later, leveling the playing field. With both teams reduced to 12 men, Hull KR seized the opportunity to rally.
James Broadbent was instrumental in Hull KR's comeback, scoring two tries during the match. His second try came after a clever set play, showcasing Hull KR's strategic depth. Following Broadbent's effort, James Batchelor crossed the line, and Mikey Lewis, who had been relatively quiet for most of the match, scored the decisive try with just five minutes remaining. Lewis's late-game heroics not only secured the win but also highlighted his ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.
After the match, Hull KR head coach Willie Peters praised his team's fighting spirit. "I thought the second half was tough, really tough. I was happy with the way the spine connected. We went down to 12 men, and I thought we attacked better. It was just a matter of keep fighting and see where it took us," Peters said. His sentiments were echoed by Leeds' coach Brad Arthur, who felt both red cards were overly harsh. "I think both ours and theirs could have possibly been yellow cards. It's unfortunate that these decisions are determining games," Arthur remarked.
The match was not just a test of skill but also of character, as both teams faced the pressure of the moment. Hull KR's victory marked their sixth consecutive win over Leeds, extending their lead at the top of the Super League table to four points. The win also served as a reminder of the competitive nature of the league, with Hull KR looking to solidify their position as title contenders.
Player performances were pivotal in the outcome, with several players standing out. Peta Hiku was a standout for Hull KR, earning an impressive player rating of 8 for his contributions, which included being the top metre-maker for the team. Jack Broadbent also received a rating of 8, thanks to his two tries and an assist for Lewis' match-winner. Mikey Lewis, crucial in the final moments, also received an 8 for his late-game impact.
Defensively, both teams had their moments, but Hull KR's ability to adapt and respond to adversity proved decisive. The match featured a total of three red cards and a yellow card for Leeds' Jack Sinfield, who was sent to the sin-bin early in the game for a high tackle on Mourgue. This added to the tension and drama of the contest, making it a memorable fixture for both sets of fans.
In the aftermath, discussions surrounding the refereeing decisions continued, with many feeling that the red cards were not warranted. Sky Sports' analyst Jon Wilkin weighed in, stating, "What can Sue do? It's accidental contact with the head of a falling player. It might even be a yellow card but there's no chance ever that is a red card." This sentiment was shared by Peters, who expressed frustration over the implications of such decisions on the game's outcome.
As Hull KR prepares for their next match, they will look to build on this momentum while Leeds will need to regroup and address their recent struggles. The league remains tightly contested, and with Wigan poised to close the gap at the top, every match will be critical in the coming weeks.
Looking ahead, fans can expect more thrilling rugby league action as teams vie for supremacy in the Super League. With the stakes high and the competition fierce, each game promises to deliver excitement and drama as teams push for playoff positions.
