The tough lessons Hull KR will take away from their loss to Wigan Warriors
Last week, we witnessed what might have been the most significant match of the season when Hull KR and Wigan Warriors competed in a high-stakes showdown. The Robins quickly gained a 10-0 advantage but ultimately lost the game, with all 24 of Wigan Warriors’ points coming during the times when Hull KR had only 12 players on the field.
The yellow cards issued to Joe Burgess and Jai Whitbread significantly influenced the outcome, allowing the Warriors to gain a strong position for winning the League Leaders’ Shield. With only two rounds remaining in the regular season, this game may have determined the top spot and, consequently, the top seeding for the playoffs. Hull KR will have to learn some tough lessons from their defeat to Wigan Warriors.
On the 5 Live Rugby League podcast, Salford Red Devils captain Kallum Watkins remarked: “Discipline has always been critical in important matches, and taking advantage of opponents’ weaknesses is equally important. Wigan is extremely formidable with 13 players, but when they’re up against 12, if you put yourself in a tough spot by conceding penalties and playing with fewer men, top teams will capitalize on it.”
That is likely the most significant lesson Willie Peters and his team will take from the match. Beyond impacting their game against Wigan, discipline could play a crucial role in their upcoming fixture against the in-form Leigh Leopards. Jai Whitbread, who was sin-binned for a high tackle against Wigan, has received a Grade C Head Contact charge. As a result, he will miss this week’s game and could potentially miss out on the Shield with only one game remaining.
That is likely the most important takeaway for Willie Peters and his team from that match. Beyond its impact on the game against Wigan, discipline could significantly influence their upcoming match against the in-form Leigh Leopards. Jai Whitbread, who was sin-binned for a high tackle against Wigan, has now received a Grade C Head Contact charge. This means he will miss the next game and might also jeopardize their chances of securing the Shield with just one match remaining.
Watkins also commented extensively on players staying down to influence refereeing decisions, a tactic that was evident in the Wigan-Hull KR match.
He stated: “There’s no denying it’s happening—though it’s not a recent development. Players have been staying down for a while, and now that the rules are stricter, they’re exploiting them more. We’ve seen how crucial it can be when players stay down. Sometimes, it’s done to ensure the correct decision is made. It’s part of playing within the rules and the game. I just hope we start reporting these incidents instead of issuing immediate cards, so we can still hold players accountable.”
