In a dramatic clash at Headingley, Hull KR pulled off a sensational comeback to defeat Leeds Rhinos 20-14 on April 25, 2025. The match, filled with tension and controversy, saw both teams reduced to 12 players due to red cards in the final quarter, but it was Hull KR who emerged victorious, continuing their strong season as they moved four points clear at the top of the Super League.
The game began with both teams trading blows, but it was Hull KR's Jack Broadbent who opened the scoring in the 10th minute. After a break from Peta Hiku, Broadbent strolled over the line, giving the Robins an early lead. However, Leeds quickly responded with Ash Handley scoring in the 24th minute, leveling the score at 4-4 after Lachlan Miller missed the conversion.
As the first half progressed, Leeds took the lead with a penalty goal from Miller, putting them ahead 6-4 after a high tackle on Jake Connor. Hull KR's Arthur Mourgue then equalized with a penalty of his own, and the teams went into halftime tied at 6-6.
After the break, Leeds seemed to take control of the match. Riley Lumb scored a try in the 47th minute, and with Miller’s conversion, the Rhinos led 12-6. However, the tide turned dramatically when Hull KR's Sauaso Sue was sent off in the 58th minute for a high tackle on Sam Lisone, reducing the Robins to 12 players. Miller converted the resulting penalty, extending Leeds' lead to 14-6.
With just 15 minutes left and the odds stacked against them, Hull KR showed remarkable resilience. Mikey Lewis executed a brilliant 40/20 kick that shifted momentum back to the Robins. Just moments later, Broadbent scored his second try in the 68th minute, narrowing the gap to 14-10, although Mourgue missed the conversion.
The match took another turn in the 72nd minute when Leeds captain Handley received a red card for a dangerous tackle on Mourgue, leaving both teams with 12 players. This critical moment opened the door for Hull KR, who capitalized on the numerical advantage.
In a stunning display of determination, Hull KR leveled the score at 14-14 when James Batchelor crossed the line in the 73rd minute, although Mourgue missed the conversion attempt. With the game hanging in the balance, it was Mikey Lewis who delivered the final blow, scoring the winning try in the 76th minute. Mourgue’s conversion sealed the match at 20-14, leaving Leeds stunned.
Leeds head coach Brad Arthur expressed pride in his team's effort but acknowledged the need for improvement. "I'm extremely proud of that performance and the resilience and how we got ourselves into a good strong position. But we need to learn how we close games out," he stated. Arthur also noted the impact of the red cards, suggesting they could have been yellow cards instead, emphasizing the need for clarity in officiating.
Meanwhile, Hull KR head coach Willie Peters praised his team's ability to adapt under pressure. "We knew Leeds were going to be a tough, physical team and they dominated a lot of that game. When we went down to 12 men, we found a way to connect because our attack was off for large parts of that game," he said. Peters highlighted the fighting spirit of his squad, stating, "I know the fight that's in our team but I did think, 'How are we going to get those points?' But we kept playing and came up with a big play at the end."
The match was not without its challenges for Leeds, who also lost winger Ryan Hall to an ankle injury early in the game. "I don't think he’s great. He will have to have scans," Arthur commented on Hall's condition, adding that the loss disrupted their game plan.
The final score of 20-14 marked Hull KR's eighth win of the campaign, solidifying their position at the top of the Super League standings. For Leeds, this defeat marked their sixth consecutive loss against Hull KR, raising questions about their ability to compete at the highest level.
As the season progresses, both teams will look to learn from this encounter. Hull KR will aim to maintain their momentum, while Leeds will need to regroup and address their issues in closing out matches. The intensity and drama of this clash will surely be a talking point as the Super League continues to unfold.
