Hull KR are refusing to hide from their rocky start to the 2026 season. The reigning champions have only managed one win in four games. This comes ahead of a clash with St Helens.
Rovers Look to Rebound After Catalans Loss
Willie Peters’ side had appeared to be building momentum. Back-to-back wins over Huddersfield Giants followed their earlier experiences. A dominant 32-6 victory kick-started their domestic campaign. They also booked a Challenge Cup quarter-final spot with another win in West Yorkshire.
However, that charge was halted by Catalans Dragons. Rovers slipped to a dramatic last-minute 26-20 defeat in Perpignan, despite battling back from 20-6 to level the scores late on.
Now, Hull KR return to Sewell Group Craven Park for their first home Super League outing of the year. History is on their side against St Helens.
Discipline a Key Concern for Hull KR
Star centre Oliver Gildart has delivered an honest assessment. “We’re obviously really disappointed. We’ve had a few losses now, which is not what we went out to achieve,” he said.
“At the same time, it’s rugby league – it can happen.
“We’re looking at improving each week and trying to get a bit of momentum rolling into the rest of the season.”
Discipline has emerged as a concern. Hull KR are conceding too many penalties and struggling to control games. This is a sharp contrast to last season’s title-winning form.
“I feel like we’re not getting the six-agains and our discipline is letting us down,” Gildart added. “The teams that are flying have mastered that so far, and it’s something we need to improve on.
“You think you’ve got control in the tackle to win a few more seconds, but referees are blowing straight away now – it’s about finding that balance.”
Defensively, cracks are starting to show too. Missed tackles are creeping in and momentum swings are proving costly.
Home Form Offers Hope Against Saints
There’s reason for hope, though. The Robins have won their last five home mettings against Saints. Sewell Group Craven Park has become the club’s fortress. They lost just twice on home soil during their historic run in 2025.
For Wigan-born Gildart, this one carries extra bite.
“I always enjoy playing St Helens,” said the former Warriors star.
“From growing up in Wigan, that was always my derby as a young kid. I’m also really glad we’re back home and to play in front of our home fans.
“It’s felt like forever, so I’m looking forward to going out this weekend and turning out a performance hopefully the fans will be proud of.”