Talking points as Rovers look in a good position after latest derby winJames Smailes Head of All Out Rugby League and Yorkshire sport at Reach plc
05:00, 04 Apr 2026
Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis with the Clive Sullivan trophy after victory over Hull FC.(Image: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)
Hull KR celebrated yet another Good Friday victory over rivals Hull FC to ensure they keep the bragging rights and keep the momentum earned from an impressive win over St Helens the week before. Given the Saints’ victory over Wigan Warriors, KR’s demolition job looks even more impressive and the champions will be feeling good about themselves this Easter weekend.
We take a look back at the derby, assess where Rovers are at right now and look ahead to new options which are emerging.
Panic, what panic?
It seems just a minute ago there was a lot of suggestion (from those outside of east Hull) that the wheels were coming off at the champions. If not coming off, the talk was they’d been loosened somewhat with Rovers not looking as assured as last season.
It was an assessment that always seemed over the top given the Robins had put in a magnificent performance to beat Brisbane Broncos in the World Club Challenge. Willie Peters’ side had already shown how good they can be this year, it’s just many were quick to forget.
Rovers have now won four of their last five games, have a Challenge Cup quarter-final to look forward to and sit just four points off the top of the table with a game in hand. All that talk of panic seems a little foolish now.
With Wigan now suffering back-to-back defeats after being humbled by Huddersfield Giants last week, perhaps a realisation will emerge that just as the RFL have longed for, we have a division where bottom can beat top and surprises will occur. The key is to not panic when they do.
Derby dominance
A seventh successive derby victory for Hull KR ensures the Clive Sullivan Memorial Trophy stays in what’s a rather bulging trophy cabinet right now. Rovers had to work for this one, though.
FC were not great, but neither were KR who played nothing like the level they can. Instead of a high quality game, we got a fiery match, with plenty of commitment and not as much class. The scoreline did blow out a little late on, but Rovers earned that having kept the pressure on the visitors, who admittedly were two players down on the interchange bench.
A derby win does wonders for the club, whether that’s in terms of confidence, helping with the aches and pains or just the vibe around the club. Rovers will return rested from three days off determined to carry that into a bust month.
Pack power
After saying goodbye to Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Michael McIlorum at the end of last season, Rovers lost two generals on and off the field, who inspired those around them through their actions each day. The question was how would KR cope?
Jez Litten’s increased stature since his England experienced answered one question, but the performance of Sauaso Sue and Tom Amone in the derby suggests that shouldn’t be a concern.
Leaders at KR are not lacking these days, and enforcers on the field aren’t either. Amone had a slow start to his KR career after injury hit his pre-season preparations, but the new signing’s presence along with Sue and Litten in the front row gave Rovers a real edge in the derby.
Ligi Sao, Harvie Hill and Sam Lisone had a real go for FC, but the fact the visitors couldn’t get on the front foot was in large part down to KR’s front rowers, who were fantastic in those opening 20 minutes.
KR fans know all about what Sue can do, but the partnership in tandem with Amone is starting to look very effective.
New options
“The best sides have depth, especially in key positions,” was Willie Peters’ response when asked why Ryan Hampshire has been signed. The former Wigan player impressed KR with his efforts at training and now has a deal until the end of the year.
With Arthur Mourgue edging back to fitness, which will soon free up derby man of the match Jack Broadbent, Peters will have Broadbent and Hampshire pushing to play, with cover across the back division. It’s a great position of strength, with Hampshire’s arrival given KR an experienced presence to play in the halves should injury or suspension strike.
With Karl Lawton back from suspension, albeit a bit rusty in the derby, Rovers have an extra option for the back-row and hooker, meanwhile Bill Leyland’s derby heroics for St Helens show he cannot be counted out of contention either.