- Date: Friday, 13th June 2025
- Kick-off: 8:00 PM BST
- Venue: Craven Park, Hull
- Fixture: Betfred Super League Round 14
Hull Kingston Rovers return to a raucous Craven Park on Friday night for their first Super League fixture since lifting the Challenge Cup, and the atmosphere is set to be electric as the league leaders host ninth-placed Catalans Dragons. This is more than just a routine league game: it’s a statement opportunity for the Robins, who have been the standout team of 2025, and a crucial test for a Catalans side desperate to arrest their slide down the table.
Hull KR’s form this season has been nothing short of sensational. With 12 wins from 13 matches, they top the Super League table, boasting a remarkable points difference of +272, having scored 388 and conceded just 116. Their recent triumph at Wembley, where Tom Davies’ last-gasp try and Mikey Lewis’ nerveless conversion sealed an 8-6 win over Warrington, ended a 40-year wait for major silverware and injected even more belief into Willie Peters’ squad. However, the celebrations have come at a cost: influential prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, who played through a calf injury at Wembley, is now sidelined for a month, while veteran hooker Micky McIlorum is also out for at least three weeks. Centre Oliver Gildart remains a long-term absentee as he recovers from knee surgery, targeting a late-season return.
Despite these setbacks, Hull KR’s depth and quality remain impressive. Niall Evalds has been outstanding at full-back, Tom Davies and Joe Burgess provide serious firepower on the wings, and the centre pairing of Peta Hiku and Jack Broadbent has been rock-solid. In the halves, Man of Steel contender Mikey Lewis continues to pull the strings alongside Tyrone May, while captain Elliot Minchella leads a dynamic pack that now leans even more on Sauaso Sue and Rhyse Martin, the latter also solving last year’s goalkicking woes. The Robins’ ability to grind out wins, as shown in the Challenge Cup final, and blow teams away, as seen in their 30–0 demolition of Leigh earlier this season, makes them formidable.
Catalans Dragons, by contrast, have endured a frustrating campaign. They sit ninth with just five wins from 13 games, a negative points difference (-94), and a stuttering attack that has managed only 196 points all year. Injuries have played their part: key playmaker Théo Fages missed the start of the season with fractured ribs, and the squad has lacked the consistency and spark of recent years. Arthur Mourgue has been a bright spot at full-back, and the new wing pairing of Nick Cotric and Tommy Makinson brings pace and finishing ability, but the Dragons have struggled to find the right combinations in the centres and halves. Ben Garcia’s leadership and the impact of Jordan Dezaria in the forwards will be crucial if they are to match Hull KR’s physicality.
The Dragons’ recent results reflect their inconsistency, with a gritty win over Leeds followed by heavy defeats to Leigh and others. They will need to rediscover their defensive steel and attacking cohesion quickly to have any hope of upsetting the Robins in front of what could be Craven Park’s biggest crowd of the season.
Key Players to Watch
- Hull KR:
- Mikey Lewis (playmaker, goalkicker, and Wembley hero)
- Tom Davies (try-scoring winger, scored the Cup-winning try)
- Rhyse Martin (goal-kicking second-row, adds reliability)
- Elliot Minchella (captain, defensive and attacking lynchpin)
- Niall Evalds (dynamic full-back, key to counter-attacks)
- Catalans Dragons:
- Arthur Mourgue (creative full-back, vital in attack)
- Tommy Makinson (proven try-scorer, big-game experience)
- Ben Garcia (captain, leads the pack)
- Nick Cotric (new signing, brings NRL pedigree)
- Jordan Dezaria (forward, needs to step up with Fages out)
Prediction
Hull KR’s form, confidence, and home advantage make them strong favourites, even with key absentees. Expect Catalans to show fight, but the Robins’ attacking variety and defensive solidity should see them pull away in the second half. Prediction: Hull KR by 14.
Betting Markets
| Market | Odds (Fractional) | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Hull KR to Win | 4/7 | Bet Now |
| Catalans Dragons to Win | 6/4 | Bet Now |
| Draw | 18/1 | Bet Now |
| Hull KR -10 Handicap | 10/11 | Bet Now |
| Mikey Lewis Anytime Tryscorer | 5/4 | Bet Now |
| Tommy Makinson Anytime Tryscorer | 11/8 | Bet Now |
| Total Points Over 40.5 | 10/11 | Bet Now |
Hull KR are riding a wave at the top of the league, while Catalans Dragons are desperate to spark their season. With a packed Craven Park and the Robins eyeing another statement win, this promises to be a compelling Super League clash.
