Hull KR Clinch Super League Play-Off Place With 36-6 Win

Hull Kingston Rovers secured their place in the Super League play-offs with a 36-6 home victory over Huddersfield Giants. BBC Sport reported that the reigning champions built their win on three early tries, ending a run of three consecutive defeats and ensuring their title defence will extend into the postseason.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AzxNN-iYyg

Rovers restored seven frontline players after resting them during the previous week's heavy loss to Wigan Warriors. Captain Elliot Minchella was among those returning, and he opened the scoring after a sustained spell of pressure near the Huddersfield line. Arthur Mourgue then stepped past two tackles before Jack Broadbent finished a move created by Peta Hiku's pass. The three tries arrived inside the opening 17 minutes and gave Hull KR early control.

Huddersfield entered the match in strong form, having won five of their previous six games after earlier being cut adrift at the foot of the table. The Giants responded before halftime through Tanguy Zenon, with Tui Lolohea adding the goal, but they could not turn that score into a sustained recovery. Hull KR led 18-6 at the interval.

Rhyse Martin extended the margin with a penalty after the break, before Jez Litten capitalised on an opportunity to push the lead out to 20 points. Minchella later supplied Mourgue for the Frenchman's second try of the night, and Tom Davies completed the scoring with a finish in the corner. Mourgue kicked three goals in total, while Martin also registered three successful kicks.

The result guaranteed a top-six finish for Hull KR, with St Helens' defeat elsewhere also contributing to the final play-off outcome. A top-four position is no longer available to the Robins, but victory means the club that won last season's domestic treble will have the chance to continue defending its Super League crown in the knockout stage.

The match also marked head coach Willie Peters' final home game before his move to take charge of the new PNG Chiefs franchise in the NRL. Peters said farewell to the home support after the final whistle. Martin, who is also set to follow Peters to PNG, likewise made his last home appearance for Hull KR.