York Knights 19-18 Hull KR: Super League newcomers claim shock victory over reigning champions in season opener

York Knights pulled off the most magical of victories as they got their first season in the Betfred Super League up and running with a 19-18 victory over defending champions Hull KR in the opening match of the campaign.

New-kids-on-the-block York had a stern test for starters in Hull KR, but they passed it with flying colours and then some, their celebrations showing just what a moment it was as they announced themselves in the competition.

It was York Knights who, against all odds, opened the scoring through a Sam Wood unconverted effort before Hull KR hit back through Jai Whitbread for a 6-4 lead.

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However, a penalty right before half-time allowed Liam Harris a goal attempt which sailed over and brought the score to 6-6 after 40 minutes.

The Robins then looked on top as Whitbread went over for his second try and then Sauaso Sue had his moment for an 18-6 lead.

However, the game changed when Mikey Lewis was off the field after being sent to the sin-bin for a trip on Harris which allowed a converted Sam Wood try to bring York within six points.

Then, the York crowd got to watch the unthinkable as Scott Galeano finished off a grubber kick and Harris sent over a clutch conversion to bring things level.

With Ata Hingano then sending over his first career drop goal to put York 19-18 ahead, they held out for four minutes and claimed an almighty victory over the reigning champions in a huge night for the city of York.

Next up for Hull KR is the World Club Challenge when they take on Brisbane Broncos for the chance to be crowned world champions on Thursday February 19, live on Sky Sports, a game in which they will need to be much improved.

With that huge match in mind, Hull KR face a nervy wait after Lewis' 10 minutes off the field.

York announce themselves on the Super League stage

At a wet LNER Community Stadium, there was early worry for the visitors as star hooker Jez Litten went off for an HIA. However, he passed it and from there they tried to get their season going with a bang.

York had the first chance on the opposition's line, but then it was all Hull KR as they had set after set right in the home side's half.

Despite the pressure, they were kept out by an unrelenting Knights defence with Tyrone May's effort in the 13th minute chalked off for a knock on.

Then, against all odds, York went ahead against the run of play and opened the scoring for Super League 2026.

As Elliot Minchella gave away a penalty for a high shot, York worked their way downfield and, on the 19th minute, Paul McShane found Wood on the short side to dive over for the opening try of the season, the 4-0 lead sending the York fans into delirium.

Hull KR clearly were the more dominant force, but York's valiant defensive line showed bravery in abundance as they continued to keep the reigning champions out right on their own line for the first 33 minutes.

Eventually, though, Hull KR got on the scoreboard as Whitbread twisted and barged his way over from short range with Rhyse Martin converting for a 6-4 lead.

After back-to-back penalties, with 40 seconds left on the clock, York's Harris went for goal and as it sailed over with the hooter sounding, his side got to walk down the tunnel with an improbable 6-6 scoreline.

As expected, Hull KR came out in the second half to continue the pressure of the first and, after being denied for a double movement, Whitbread eventually got himself the double as he ran a lovely line from close range. Martin converted once again for a 12-6 advantage.

Within 10 minutes it was Sue's turn to dive in under the sticks after a flat pass from Litten with Martin kicking the conversion once again, a comprehensive 18-6 lead looking ominous for the home outfit with over 20 minutes still left on the clock.

However, Hull KR were their own worst enemies as Lewis put in an intentional trip on kicker Harris and was sent to the sin-bin for his error, leaving his side a man down for 10 minutes.

In that time York capitalised with Wood sliding in for his second and Harris converting to bring the score to 18-12 with just over 10 minutes remaining. Then, Galeano finished off a grubber and Harris came up with a brilliant conversion to bring the scores level at 18-18 with just seven minutes remaining.

With the York crowd loud and proud, they went into rapturous applause as Hingano sent over a drop goal to lead by just one with four minutes remaining.

York battled hard in that period and the biggest cheer of the night came as Arthur Mourgue knocked on and gave York the possession back, their win being confirmed as they took Peta Hiku into touch.

Indeed, it will go down as one of the biggest wins of any promoted club in Super League's 30-year history.

McShane: 'We've made history' | Peters: Lewis let his side down

Hull KR head coach Willie Peters speaking on Sky Sports+:

"You get what you deserve in this game - and we certainly did. We didn't play bad in the first half, it was ill-discipline.

"We put on a lot of pressure with the ball but couldn't score the try, which is OK, if was what we did off the back of it - a lot of penalties.

"What Mikey did, he let his team-mates down and he needs to learn from it.

"You'll have to ask him [what he was thinking], but he's got to learn from that.

"Whatever it [the punishment] is it is. I'm not exactly sure what the ruling is. You make your bed, you've got to lie in it."

Player of the match - Paul McShane - speaking on Sky Sports+:

"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 team is built on togetherness. The big thing that convinced me to go again this year was the culture. Nights like this make it worth 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 speaking on Sky Sports+:

"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 Super League debuts, they were amazing. The challenge now for us is to maintain that level of performance. I'm really proud of the players, and pleased to get the win for the city."

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+

(c) Sky Sports 2026: York Knights 19-18 Hull KR: Super League newcomers claim shock victory over reigning champions in season opener