Hull KR grind past Leigh to tighten grip on third; Wakefield thrash Hull FC

Hull Kingston Rovers took another step towards securing a top-three finish in the Betfred Super League with a hard-fought 22-8 victory over Leigh Leopards at Sewell Group Craven Park. It wasn't pretty — an error-strewn, stop-start affair that will not live long in the memory — but the two points were all that mattered for Willie Peters' side. The win keeps them firmly in the hunt for a favourable playoff position, while Leigh will rue a missed opportunity to close the gap on the top four.

The Story of the Game

The match was a messy, scrappy battle from the first whistle, with both sides guilty of handling errors and ill-discipline that prevented any real flow. Hull KR, however, showed the grit and resilience that has defined their season, grinding out the result without ever hitting top gear. They led 12-0 at half-time and, despite a Leigh fightback early in the second period that cut the deficit to six, the Rovers pulled clear in the final quarter to seal a 22-8 win. Leigh will feel they let this one slip, but credit to Hull KR's defence which stood firm when it mattered.

What It Means for the Table

For Hull KR, this result consolidates third place, keeping them well positioned for a home playoff tie and a potential shot at the Grand Final. They now sit comfortably ahead of fourth-placed Leigh, who will be frustrated to have fallen further behind. Over at the Beaumont Stadium, Wakefield Trinity produced a statement performance to thrash a struggling Hull FC side in a one-sided encounter. The win injects fresh momentum into Wakefield's push for a top-six spot, while Hull FC's dismal season continues to spiral — another heavy defeat raising serious questions about their direction.

Looking Ahead

Hull KR will take confidence from their ability to win ugly, but will need to clean up their execution ahead of tougher fixtures. The clash with Leigh may have been forgettable, but the points are what count in the playoff race. Leigh, meanwhile, must rediscover their attacking fluency quickly to avoid dropping further into the pack. Wakefield's demolition of Hull FC sends a warning to the rest: they are hitting form at the right end of the season. For Hull FC, the rebuild looks a long way off.