Rivals Round Round Up

Rivals Round Hit Different, and Harder, in 2026.

Hull KR secured another derby win over Hull FC, running out 24-6 victors at a sold-out Sewell Group Craven Park.

The inner-city rivals’ clash kicked off the Good Friday action in Rivals Round and was a brutal battle to say the least.

The Robins dominated early scoring two tries through Jack Broadbent and Oliver Gildart to take an initial 10-0 lead.

The Black & Whites soon replied when Tom Briscoe rolled back the years and raced away to score.

There was a huge turning point when Lewis Martin’s effort was ruled out for a knock on – a try which would have levelled the game.

The Robins were then able to break away with three further tries from Jez Litten and Joe Burgess (x2) and retain bragging rights once more.

Jack Broadbent opens the scoring in Rivals Round ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/KQ3rZ8lADo

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) April 3, 2026

Bill Leyland etched himself in St Helens’ folklore on Good Friday as his dramatic double snatched a dramatic win for the Red V against Wigan Warriors.

The Warriors looked to be heading for a clinical victory over their fiercest rivals, but in trademark fashion and living up to the famous line, “Never write off the Saints”, Paul Rowley’s side pulled off the most stunning of comebacks.

Harry Smith opened the scores in front of a sell out crowd at the BrewDog Stadium. Matt Whitley hit back shortly afterwards, before the toing and froing continued and Jack Farrimond and Daryl Clark exchanged tries.

On his return from injury, Jai Field crossed the whitewash, as did Zach Eckersley, which was thought to have wrapped it up for the visitors at 24-10 with ten minutes remaining.

But four Saints tries in eight minutes would flip the result entirely – first it was Jackson Hastings and Tristan Sailor who instilled hope into the side, before loan-signing Leyland’s match-winner and another sensational score to put a dagger in the Warriors’ hearts and send the home crowd into raptures. (34-24).

What did we just witness?! ?

Rivals Round Hits Different ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/2l2HdwfrM1

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) April 3, 2026

They say never fall in love with a loan signing…but St Helens’ fans won’t ever forget this Good Friday that’s for sure!

Good Friday’s blockbuster line-up then concluded with the return of Bradford Bulls and Leeds Rhinos’ iconic West Yorkshire Derby, which made its return in Super League for the first time in 12 years - and what an atmosphere it was!

Tempers flared at Bartercard Odsal as the sides reunited, but it was Brad Arthur’s side who proved too strong on the night.

 Waqa Blake and Connor Wynne ensured the Bulls would lead at the break, with James McDonnell replying for the Rhinos in between the hosts’ two scores.

Leeds came out all guns blazing, however, with tries from Jack Bird, Ash Handley and Cooper Jenkins to cruise to Rivals Round success.

Caleb Aekins did manage to cross for a consolation try, but it wasn’t to be for Bradford just yet (12-24).

Rivals Round continued on Saturday with another triple-header, and Warrington Wolves ensured they would be sitting top of Super League after this weekend, as they put Leigh Leopards to sword, 42-6.

The Leopards’ easy season woes carried on into Round 7, but the Wolves were a side who simply couldn’t be stopped.

Matty Ashton’s electric double, along with tries from Josh Smith, James Bentley, Joe Philbin, skipper George Williams and Sam Powell helped the Wolves claim an important two points and contribute to their already healthy-looking points difference.

Meanwhile, Huddersfield Giants sealed back-to-back wins as they beat York Knights, 34-14.

It was a new Rivals Round opponent for either side, and the Giants were able to build on their stunning win over Wigan Warriors in Round 6, running in six tries past the Knights on Saturday.

Huddersfield scored three tries in the opening 15 minutes, which was followed by a Jacob Gagai double in the early second half, and rounded off with an interception try from Zac Woolford, who got his first in the Claret & Gold.

The French Derby did not disappoint as Catalans Dragons and Toulouse Olympique went head-to-head in a points fest at Stade Gilbert Brutus.

After Toulouse tries were disallowed, the Dragons went 16-0 up inside half an hour, before the visitors scored three tries to level the scores.

But tries form Leo Derralatour, Solomona Faataape and Phoenix Laulu-Togaga'e, as well as Kruise Leeming drop goal wrapped up the win for Catalans, despite a hat-trick from Mathieu Jussaume.

Phoenix Laulu-Togaga'e's try, converted by Sexton, and a Leeming drop goal, wrapped up the Dragons' win.

Un derby, ça se gagne ? pic.twitter.com/mBExiz5e2R

— Dragons Catalans (@DragonsOfficiel) April 4, 2026

On Sunday, Castleford Tigers welcomed their nearest and dearest Wakefield Trinity to the OneBore Stadium, and it was Rivals Round to remember for the visitors!

A high flying Trinity scored 34 unanswered points in a comfortable derby victory, as Jake Trueman and Oli Pratt scored doubles, along with Corey Hall and Tyson Smoothy's individual efforts.

#RivalsRound 2026 is complete ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/JuctiHFSGC

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) April 5, 2026

Remember, following Rivals Round, we'll be taking the same rivalries on the road in Round 17 with the 2026 Magic WKND! Rugby League's beloved event is heading to Everton’s world-class Hill Dickinson Stadium – the perfect stage for our biggest Summer festival, and was recently revealed as the best-selling Magic Weekend in history!

Be there to witness Super League’s fiercest clashes unfold across one epic weekend. Act fast and get your tickets here!

The Betfred Super League will return on Thursday 16 April for Round 8, with the Betfred Challenge Cup Quarter-Finals taking place this weekend.