Hull KR ran in 11 tries as they dismantled a youthful Wigan Warriors side 62-4 at Sewell Group Craven Park, with half-back Mikey Lewis completing an 18-minute hat-trick to set the tone for a blistering performance. The contest served as a dress rehearsal for next week’s Challenge Cup final at Wembley, but the gulf in class was stark from the opening whistle as Rovers took full advantage of a Warriors team that made 10 changes and handed out as many debuts.
The two clubs will meet again on May 30 in a repeat of the 2025 Super League Grand Final, which Hull KR won at Old Trafford. This Super League round 12 fixture, however, offered little insight into the blockbuster clash that awaits. Wigan head coach Matt Peet rested virtually all his senior stars, with only three players retained from last week’s win over Leeds Rhinos. In contrast, Hull KR boss Willie Peters made just three alterations, one enforced by Arthur Mourgue’s pectoral injury, underlining a commitment to building cohesion ahead of the final.
Lewis needed just six minutes to open his account, slicing through would-be tacklers and running a superb support line to claim his first try. His second came moments later as he backed up a Tom Davies break, and the winger got his own name on the scoresheet in the 12th minute. Lewis then completed his treble on 18 minutes, exploiting more soft defence to put the hosts 20-0 up. The England international’s pace and awareness were simply too much for the inexperienced visitors, who at times looked like they were chasing shadows.
The Robins were relentless. By half-time they had posted 42 unanswered points, with hooker Jez Litten sniping over from dummy half before prop Jai Whitbread and centre Rhyse Martin both crossed in the dying minutes of the first period. The scoreline reflected a physical mismatch, as Rovers’ power and speed repeatedly tore holes in a Wigan line that featured a host of academy graduates. While Peters’ side will have gained little tactical information, the ruthless execution will have done no harm to their morale.
To their credit, Wigan’s young side refused to fold completely. In the 46th minute, Nathan Lowe – one of 10 debutants – intercepted a wayward Hull KR pass and sprinted 60 metres to score a memorable try on his first senior appearance. The travelling fans erupted, delighted to see their team get on the board. It was a moment of hope for the Warriors, and for Lowe it marked the start of what could be a bright career.
Hull KR quickly reasserted control. Dean Hadley barged over untouched from close range, and Noah Booth dived in from a Jack Broadbent pass before Broadbent himself raced home following a Lewis assist. With the score at 58-4, Lewis was withdrawn as Peters wisely protected his key playmaker. Sam Luckley added the final try on 77 minutes, crashing over from short range to become the ninth different Rovers scorer.
The victory was marred by an injury concern, however. Late in the match, hard-working forward Dean Hadley limped off with a suspected hamstring problem and headed straight down the tunnel, casting doubt on his involvement at Wembley. Hadley has been a cornerstone of Hull KR’s pack, and his absence would be a significant blow. The Robins were already without Arthur Mourgue, whose pectoral injury kept him out of this contest, and the potential loss of Hadley adds further pressure on Peters’ squad depth.
While the 62-4 scoreline suggests Hull KR are overwhelming favourites for the Challenge Cup final, the reality is that this match provides almost no barometer for the upcoming showdown. Wigan will field a completely different team on May 30, featuring seasoned internationals like Jai Field, Bevan French, and Harry Smith. The element of surprise and rested legs could give the Warriors a decisive edge, and they will also have learnt valuable lessons about Hull KR’s attacking structures – even if those patterns were deployed against a weakened defence.
For Hull KR, the win extends a dominant run of form but leaves them with a lingering fitness headache. The club will sweat over scans on Hadley’s hamstring, knowing that any absence could force a reshuffle in the pack. Peters will also need to manage complacency, avoiding any sense that the job is already done. The Robins have been here before – they triumphed in last year’s Grand Final and know the mental demands of a showpiece event.
From Wigan’s perspective, the heavy defeat was a necessary evil. Peet’s decision to rest his stars was a clear statement that the Challenge Cup takes priority over regular-season points. The young squad experienced the intensity of Super League action, and several debutants – including Lowe – showed glimpses of potential. The exposure will only aid their development, and a fit-and-firing Wigan side will be a different proposition next week.
In truth, both coaches will have taken exactly what they wanted from the evening. Hull KR banked a confidence-boosting win and avoided further injuries until the late scare, while Wigan preserved their key assets and gave youth a chance. The Challenge Cup final remains an evenly poised contest, with the outcome likely to hang on which team can execute under pressure when the real battle begins.
Based on reporting from Sky Sports.