A FIFTH clean sheet in 14 games so far in 2025 helped Hull KR return to the top of the Betfred Super League as they saw off strugglers Huddersfield Giants 34-0 on Saturday.
The Robins have a significantly better defensive record than any other team in the competition, averaging fewer than 10 points conceded per game with just 100 conceded in 11 Super League games and a plus-223 points difference.
Salford Red Devils (twice), Huddersfield and third-placed Leigh Leopards have all been nilled by Hull KR in Super League so far, as were Betfred Championship side Oldham in the Betfred Challenge Cup, and their record is a reflection of the importance head coach Willie Peters has placed on defence this year.
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.@hullkrofficial came alive in the second half 🔥#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/SOiuQEYZ4F
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) May 17, 2025
“They work hard for each other, there’s no doubt about that, but it’s an area we pride ourselves in,” Peters told BBC Radio Humberside.
“We’ve got coaches who look after each area, but every coach talks about defence. [Assistant coach] Danny Ward is leading our defence and does a great job, but all of our coaches drive it.
“The players are the ones who execute it, they’re the ones who do a job every week.
“We had a couple of tries [against Catalans Dragons in the Challenge Cup semi-finals] where it was an area we maybe stopped moving and it’s an area we want to keep moving – and we did that [against Huddersfield].”
The hard-fought victory at Sewell Group Craven Park came at the end of a week which saw Hull KR book their place in the Challenge Cup final against Warrington Wolves on June 7 and be confirmed as heading out to Las Vegas to represent Super League in the NRL’s showcase next year along with Leeds Rhinos.
The Robins’ trip to Wembley will be the third time in as many seasons that Peters has overseen the side reaching a major final and while silverware has proven elusive up to this point, he is delighted the club are now recognised as one of the competition’s leading lights.
“We want to be playing in big games and we want to be part of big events, and we are which is great,” Peters said.
“We’ve got Wembley in three weeks’ time and Vegas is next year, and it’s an honour to be able to represent Super League in Vegas against Leeds.
“It’s not just about our brand and representing Hull KR, it’s bigger than that. It’s representing the Super League and comes with a lot of responsibility, and we’re looking forward to honouring that in the right way.”
