Hull KR have won just once so far this Super League season, but look to bounce back this evening with history on their side.
Hull KR’s Oliver Gildart has delivered an honest assessment on his side’s start to 2026.
Hull KR stars have refused to hide from their disappointing start to the season – with the reigning champions winning just once in four games ahead of a huge clash with St Helens.
Willie Peters’ side looked to have been building momentum after back-to-back wins over Huddersfield Giants, following their Las Vegas nightmare. A dominant 32-6 victory finally kick-started their domestic campaign before they booked a Challenge Cup quarter-final spot with another win in West Yorkshire.
But that charge was quickly halted by Catalans Dragons. Rovers slipped to a dramatic last-minute 26-20 defeat in Perpignan, despite battling back from 20-6 to level the scores late on.
Now, Hull KR return to Sewell Group Craven Park for their first home Super League outing of the year, with history on their side against St Helens.
But there’s no dressing it up – the players know it hasn’t been good enough.
“We’re obviously really disappointed. We’ve had a few losses now, which is not what we went out to achieve,” said star centre Oliver Gildart.
“At the same time, it’s rugby league – it can happen.
“We’re looking at improving each week and trying to get a bit of momentum rolling into the rest of the season.”
Discipline has emerged as a concern, with Hull KR conceding too many penalties and struggling to control games – a sharp contrast to last season’s title-winning form.
“I feel like we’re not getting the six-agains and our discipline is letting us down,” Gildart added. “The teams that are flying have mastered that so far, and it’s something we need to improve on.
“You think you’ve got control in the tackle to win a few more seconds, but referees are blowing straight away now – it’s about finding that balance.”
Defensively, cracks are starting to show too, with missed tackles creeping in and momentum swings proving costly.
Still, there’s reason for hope.
The Robins have won their last five home mettings against Saints and Sewell Group Craven Park has become the club’s fortress – losing just twice on home soil during their historic run in 2025.
And for Wigan-born Gildart, this one carries extra bite.
“I always enjoy playing St Helens,” said the former Warriors star.
“From growing up in Wigan, that was always my derby as a young kid. I’m also really glad we’re back home and to play in front of our home fans.
“It’s felt like forever, so I’m looking forward to going out this weekend and turning out a performance hopefully the fans will be proud of.”