York Knights pulled off essentially the most magical of victories as they bought their first season within the Betfred Tremendous League up and operating with a 19-18 victory over defending champions Hull KR within the opening match of the marketing campaign.
New-kids-on-the-block York had a stern take a look at for starters in Hull KR, however they handed it with flying colors after which some, their celebrations displaying simply what a second it was as they introduced themselves within the competitors.
It was York Knights who, towards all odds, opened the scoring by way of a Sam Wooden unconverted effort earlier than Hull KR hit again by way of Jai Whitbread for a 6-4 lead.
Nonetheless, a penalty proper earlier than half-time allowed Liam Harris a objective try which sailed over and introduced the rating to 6-6 after 40 minutes.
The Robins then regarded on prime as Whitbread went over for his second strive after which Sauaso Sue had his second for an 18-6 lead.
Nonetheless, the sport modified when Mikey Lewis was off the sphere after being despatched to the sin-bin for a visit on Harris which allowed a transformed Scott Galeano attempt to convey York degree.
With Ata Hingano then sending over his first profession drop objective to place York 19-18 forward, they held out for 4 minutes and claimed an almighty victory over the reigning champions in an enormous evening for the town of York.
Subsequent up for Hull KR is the World Membership Problem once they tackle Brisbane Broncos for the prospect to be topped world champions on Thursday February 19, dwell on Sky Sports activities, a recreation during which they are going to should be a lot improved.
With that vast match in thoughts, Hull KR face a nervy wait after Lewis’ 10 minutes off the sphere.
York announce themselves on the Tremendous League stage
At a moist LNER Group Stadium, there was early fear for the guests as star hooker Jez Litten went off for an HIA. Nonetheless, he handed it and from there they tried to get their season going with a bang.
York had the primary probability on the opposition’s line, however then it was all Hull KR as that they had set after set proper within the dwelling aspect’s half.
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York Knights rating the primary strive of the 2026 Tremendous League season!
Regardless of the stress, they have been stored out by an unrelenting Knights defence with Tyrone Could’s effort within the thirteenth minute chalked off for a knock on.
Then, towards all odds, York went forward towards the run of play and opened the scoring for Tremendous League 2026.
As Elliot Minchella gave away a penalty for a excessive shot, York labored their method downfield and, on the nineteenth minute, Paul McShane discovered Wooden on the quick aspect to dive over for the opening strive of the season, the 4-0 lead sending the York followers into delirium.
Hull KR clearly have been the extra dominant pressure, however York’s valiant line of defense confirmed bravery in abundance as they continued to maintain the reigning champions out proper on their very own line for the primary 33 minutes.
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Jai Whitbread places Hull KR again in entrance as he prices by way of two tackles earlier than grounding the ball on the road
Ultimately, although, Hull KR bought on the scoreboard as Whitbread twisted and barged his method over from quick vary with Rhyse Martin changing for a 6-4 lead.
After back-to-back penalties, with 40 seconds left on the clock, York’s Harris went for objective and because it sailed over with the hooter sounding, his aspect bought to stroll down the tunnel with an unbelievable 6-6 scoreline.
As anticipated, Hull KR got here out within the second half to proceed the stress of the primary and, after being denied for a double motion, Whitbread ultimately bought himself the double as he ran a beautiful line from shut vary. Martin transformed as soon as once more for a 12-6 benefit.
Inside 10 minutes it was Sue’s flip to dive in below the sticks after a flat go from Litten with Martin kicking the conversion as soon as once more, a complete 18-6 lead wanting ominous for the house outfit with over 20 minutes nonetheless left on the clock.
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Sam Wooden scored a double on his debut for York Knights!
Nonetheless, Hull KR have been their very own worst enemies as Lewis put in an intentional journey on kicker Harris and was despatched to the sin-bin for his error, leaving his aspect a person down for 10 minutes.
In that point York capitalised with Wooden sliding in for his second and Harris changing to convey the rating to 18-12 with simply over 10 minutes remaining.
With the York crowd loud and proud, they went into rapturous applause as Hingano despatched over a drop objective to steer by only one with 4 minutes remaining.
York battled laborious in that interval and the largest cheer of the evening got here as Arthur Mourgue knocked on and gave York the possession again, their win being confirmed as they took Peta Hiku into contact.
Certainly, it’s going to go down as one of many largest wins of any promoted membership in Tremendous League’s 30-year historical past.
McShane: ‘We have made historical past’ | Peters: Lewis let his aspect down
The York Knights followers have been celebrating at full-time
Participant of the match – Paul McShane – talking on Sky Sports activities+:
“I don’t know how we did that. It wasn’t pretty, but one thing this team is built on is hard work and togetherness. We showed that in the last 10 minutes of the game.
“This staff is constructed on togetherness. The large factor that satisfied me to go once more this yr was the tradition. Nights like this make it price it.
“We’ve made history being part of Super League. To get our first win is amazing for the club. We got the result today but it’s a long season, but we just want to keep competing and be respected.”
York Knights head coach Mark Applegarth talking on Sky Sports activities+:
“Yes [we’ve proved them all wrong]. I’m really happy with that. The try-line defensive sets really set the tone for us in the first half, and got a few lads over their nerves.
“To have seven lads on Tremendous League debuts, they have been superb. The problem now for us is to keep up that degree of efficiency. I am actually happy with the gamers, and happy to get the win for the town.”
Sky Sports will again show every game of the Super League live this season – including two matches in each round exclusively live, with the remaining five matches each week shown on Sky Sports activities+
