Weakened Wigan thrashed by Hull KR in final tune-up

Hull Kingston Rovers delivered a dominant performance to defeat a heavily weakened Wigan Warriors side in their Betfred Super League clash, moving up to second place in the standings. Mikey Lewis starred with a hat-trick within the first 20 minutes, helping Hull KR score seven tries in the first half and four more after the break. Wigan, fielding a largely inexperienced team with 10 debutants, managed only one try through Nathan Lowe. The final scoreline reflected Hull KR’s superiority as they extended their winning streak and climbed above Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves, while Wigan suffered their fifth defeat of the season and remained sixth. Wigan head coach Matt Peet opted to rest all regular starters ahead of the upcoming Challenge Cup final against Hull KR at Wembley, resulting in a youthful and inexperienced lineup averaging just over 20 years of age. Only veteran prop Patrick Mago featured from the previous matchday squad, and he started on the bench. This decision effectively conceded two league points and diminished the competitive tension expected from a fixture between last season’s top two teams, who have developed a growing rivalry with consecutive Grand Final meetings in recent years. Hull KR, coached by Willie Peters, maintained momentum from their recent eight-game winning streak across league and cup competitions. Their strong lineup, featuring 14 players from their previous match, capitalized on Wigan’s inexperience and dominated throughout. Mikey Lewis’s early hat-trick set the tone, supported by tries from Tom Davies, Jez Litten, Jai Whitbread, and Rhyse Martin in the first half. Despite Wigan’s brief resurgence early in the second half, Hull KR quickly regained control and sealed the victory with four additional tries, marking the first time Wigan conceded over 60 points since April 2016. The only concern for Hull KR was a potential injury to forward Dean Hadley, who limped off late in the game. The result solidifies Hull KR’s position as serious contenders this season and sets the stage for a highly anticipated Challenge Cup final showdown between the two sides.