Men

Wolves v Robins | Eliminator 2 Preview

9 hrs

Wolves v Robins | Eliminator 2 Preview

The second of this year's Betfred Super League Eliminators sees two rivals collide once again as Warrington Wolves host Hull KR live on Sky Sports this Saturday (K.O. 5.30pm), with a place in the Semi-Finals up for grabs.

There has been no shortage of high-stakes encounters between these sides in recent seasons.

From a Challenge Cup Final to Play-Off battles, the Wolves and the Robins have become well acquainted with one other.

A third-placed Wolves earned home advantage after another strong campaign and will be looking to extend their season, while the reigning champions arrive aiming to reach a fourth consecutive Super League Semi-Final, and return to Old Trafford for a third year running.

Their recent head-to-head record suggests another enthralling contest could be in store.

AM2_0054

Previous Meetings:

There has been little shortage of drama whenever these sides have met.

Warrington won both league meetings between the clubs in 2026, starting with a 28-34 away from home in Round 2 before backing that up with a 34-12 victory on home soil in Round 19.

Hull KR, however, enjoyed success in the season's other meeting, defeating the Wolves 32-12 in the Challenge Cup Semi-Final at Doncaster to secure their place at Wembley.

Their fixture has produced several memorable contests in recent years. Last season, Hull KR edged Warrington 8-6 in the Challenge Cup Final, and secured the League Leaders' Shield with a hard fought win against the Wolves in Round 27. Both of these came after they completed a dramatic 10-8 victory in the 2024 Super League Semi-Finals.

Overall, it’s the Wolves who lead the Super League head-to-head record with 25 wins to the Robins’ 16, but recent contests have shown just how closely matched these two sides are.

Hull KR v Warrington-010

Play-Off History:

Friday's encounter will be the third Play-Off meeting between the clubs.

Hull KR were victorious in both previous meetings, eliminating Warrington at the same stage in 2021 before denying the Wolves a place in the Grand Final with victory in the 2024 Semi-Finals.

The Robins have become one of Super League's most consistent Play-Off performers in recent seasons. Having reached the Semi-Finals in each of the last three years, they are now chasing a fourth straight appearance, a remarkable achievement for a club that had only managed one Semi-Final appearance across its previous 15 Super League campaigns.

Willie Peters’ men are also looking to retain their title.

Warrington, meanwhile, will be hoping home advantage can help them secure a place in the final four as they continue their pursuit of Grand Final glory.

Sam Burgess’ side have been constantly in and around the Play-Offs throughout the 30 years of Super League and have reached the Super League Grand Final four times since the competition began.

However, they have finished runners-up on each occasion (2012, 2013, 2016 and 2018).

That first Super League Grand Final win remains agonisingly elusive…

_AM17166

Ones to watch:

Ones to watch for the Wolves include the inspirational George Williams. Ever since his return from injury, the captain has starred in every game and guided Warrington to a top three finish.

There’s also Matty Asthon, Wire’s lightning-fast winger, who can turn the smallest opening into a spectacular try. Did you know he’s one try away from 100 Super League tries?

OH8_6164-2

Then, the veteran nature of Ben Currie will be key for the Wolves. A pivotal figure in the team, Currie’s toughness and resilience should help see them through.

For Hull KR, magic Mikey Lewis will be hoping he can put on a show. As should experience winger Joe Burgess, who is the club’s top try scorer.

Talismanic Elliot Minchella, the captain and leader of the Robins, will be ready to set the standard through his industrious work rate.

_AM10960

The stage is set:

Warrington will take confidence from having won both league meetings against Hull KR this season, but the Robins have repeatedly shown their ability to deliver when it is required.

With a Semi-Final place on the line, what will this next chapter bring?

Only one side can keep their Grand Final dream alive. Find out what happens live on Sky Sports!

 

Squads:

Wolves: Cai Taylor-Wray, Josh Thewlis, Toby King, Albert Hopoate, Matty Ashton, George Williams, Luke Yates, Danny Walker, James Harrison, Sam Stone, Ben Currie, Sam Powell, Liam Byrne, Ewan Irwin, Leon Hayes, James Bentley, Joe Philbin, Arron Lindop, Max Wood, Josh Smith, Kelepi Tanginoa

Robins: Arthur Mourgue, Tom Davies, Peta Hiku, Oliver Gildart, Joe Burgess, Mikey Lewis, Tyrone May, Sauaso Sue, Jez Litten, Tom Amone, Dean Hadley, James Batchelor, Elliot Minchella, Jack Broadbent, Sam Luckley, Jai Whitbread, Rhyse Martin, Karl Lawton, Bill Leyland, Lee Kershaw, Frankie Dearlove