Hull KR title defence on the line at Warrington in sudden-death eliminator
Champions Hull KR put their Super League title on the line at Warrington Wolves on Saturday in a sudden-death eliminator. Lose, and they are out.
The tie kicks off at 5.30pm on 19 September at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, with the winners moving a step closer to the Grand Final on 3 October Warrington Wolves. An eliminator is simple and brutal in rugby league. There are no second chances. The season ends for the losers.
That is a tough road for Hull KR. They finished sixth in the regular season, so they must win three away games in a row to stay champions BBC Sport. Warrington finished third, level on points with Leeds Rhinos, and therefore have home advantage. The play-offs involve six teams across three weeks, with Wigan Warriors and Leeds Rhinos waiting in the semi-finals Super League.
It has already been a packed year for the Robins. Under head coach Willie Peters they ended a 40-year wait for silverware with the Challenge Cup, then added three more trophies including the Super League title. This season they lifted the World Club Challenge, which pits the Super League champions against Australia’s NRL champions. They came within 80 minutes of keeping the Challenge Cup too, only to lose to Wigan at Wembley in the final.
Recent form points to Warrington. The Wolves beat Hull KR twice in Super League this season. Hull KR had the last laugh in knockout rugby, though, winning 32-12 in the Challenge Cup semi-final in May with five tries to reach a second straight final.
Both clubs are heading for change whatever happens on Saturday. Peters has been headhunted to lead the newly created NRL franchise PNG Chiefs. Winger Joe Burgess is also leaving Hull KR. Warrington skipper George Williams, a stand-off and the team’s chief playmaker, returned late in the season from a neck and shoulder issue and will head back to Australia’s NRL with the Dolphins. Warrington are set to bring in Leeds stand-off Brodie Croft, while Toby King and Joe Philbin will depart.
For fans, this means pedigree against momentum. Hull KR know how to win in September. Warrington have home support and two league wins over the champions to fuel belief. The game will be shown live on Sky Sports, with coverage also listed on BBC Sport.
