Warrington Beat Hull KR 34-28 to Close on Super League Leaders

Warrington Wolves defeated defending Super League champions Hull KR 34-28 in a six-try away performance that tightened the race at the top of the table. BBC Sport reported that captain George Williams scored the match-defining try in the rearranged fixture, only five days after returning from almost four months out following neck surgery.

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Hull KR led 14-10 at half-time despite Warrington scoring the opening two tries. Albert Hopoate finished out wide after the home side had defended repeated sets near its own line, before James Bentley returned from a head injury assessment to add Warrington's second score. Mikey Lewis answered from a Jez Litten grubber kick and Karl Lawton powered over beneath the posts to send the Robins into the interval ahead.

Toafofoa Sipley restored Warrington's advantage immediately after the break. Arthur Mourgue then kicked a penalty to draw Hull KR level, but Ewan Irwin's penalty put the visitors back in front. Liam Byrne marked his 27th birthday with a try before Williams crossed and Hopoate added his second score, giving Warrington a lead the hosts could not overturn.

Dean Hadley and Tevita Pangai Jr scored late tries for Hull KR, reducing the final margin after Warrington had pulled clear. Lewis, back from a four-game suspension, was sent to the sin bin late in the match for a dangerous attempt to block a kick. The Robins finished with four tries, while Mourgue converted five goals in addition to his penalty.

The victory moved Warrington within two points of Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors after 23 matches, with Leeds leading Wigan on points difference. Hull KR remained fifth and in a fight to secure a play-off place. Warrington's win also came with an injury concern after full-back Josh Thewlis left the game because of a hamstring problem.

Warrington head coach Sam Burgess told BBC Radio Merseyside that Williams took control of the match in the second half and showed the quality he had been eager to display during his long absence. Hull KR coach Willie Peters told BBC Radio Humberside that his side had been brave but had made costly mistakes, while praising Warrington's final-play execution and ability to build pressure.