Reigning champions suffer third defeat of the season with a last-minute try from Lenny Marc
Category: Sports
Hull Kingston Rovers’ Super League title defense has hit a rocky start, suffering a dramatic 26-20 defeat to Catalans Dragons at Stade Gilbert Brutus. The reigning champions, who swept all before them last season, now find themselves with three losses from their opening four games, a stark juxtaposition to their previous triumphs.
It was a match that had everything, from early promise to late heartbreak. Hull KR started brightly, with Tyrone May marking his 100th Super League appearance by scoring the opening try just nine minutes into the game. May, a former Catalans player, showcased his agility and skill, bouncing off tackles to touch down and give the Robins a 4-0 lead.
But the momentum quickly swung toward the home side. Catalans responded with a powerful performance, led by Zac Lipowicz, who scored two tries, and Romain Navarrete, who added another to push the Dragons to a 20-6 lead by the 60-minute mark. Lipowicz’s first try came after a break from scrum-half Lewis Dodd, who, unfortunately, limped off the field due to injury later on, adding to Catalans’ woes.
With their backs against the wall, Hull KR mounted a spirited comeback. Joe Burgess and Tom Amone crossed the line, and Mikey Lewis, stepping up to the plate, converted both tries and slotted a penalty to level the scores at 20-20 with just five minutes remaining. It seemed the Robins had turned the tide, but fate had other plans.
Just when it appeared Hull KR would snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, a loose offload from full-back Jack Broadbent allowed Catalans to regain possession. The Dragons seized the opportunity, and 19-year-old winger Lenny Marc raced down the field to score the winning try, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. Toby Sexton’s conversion sealed the deal, handing Catalans their third win of the season.
Head coach Willie Peters expressed mixed emotions after the match. "We made it hard for ourselves, but you have to pay credit to Catalans. They’re a gutsy team who work hard for each other and found a way at the back end," he told BBC Radio Humberside. Peters acknowledged the errors that plagued his team throughout the match, saying, "There were so many errors and penalties which put us at a disadvantage. We fought back well, but we were chasing the quick fix too much." He emphasized that the team needed to build pressure instead of seeking immediate results.
Catalans, on the other hand, displayed resilience throughout the match, even with several key players sidelined due to injuries. The Dragons lost three forwards—Josh Allen, Julian Bousquet, and Mathieu Laguerre—to head injuries, forcing them to rely heavily on their remaining players. They finished the match with only one fit substitute, which made their victory even more commendable.
Throughout the game, Hull KR struggled with defensive weaknesses and discipline, missing a staggering 34 tackles and committing seven errors during the first half alone. These statistics starkly contrasted with the team's performance last season when they clinched a historic treble and the World Club Challenge title just weeks ago.
With this defeat, Hull KR now faces mounting pressure to turn their season around. They will need to regroup quickly, especially with upcoming home games on the horizon. Peters remains optimistic, stating, "We’ve had a difficult start, but it’s a long season. We need to improve and build momentum. There’s a bit to like about our performance, but there’s also a lot we didn’t like."
Fans of the Robins will be hoping their team can shake off this early-season slump and return to the form that saw them dominate the league last year. The next few games will be a true test of character for Hull KR, and they must address their defensive lapses and discipline if they wish to reclaim their status at the top of the Super League.
Meanwhile, Catalans Dragons will look to build on this momentum. With their injury woes, they will need to dig deep, but their performance against Hull KR shows they have the heart and determination to compete at the highest level. The victory boosts their position on the table and serves notice to the rest of the league: the Dragons are a force to be reckoned with, even when the odds are stacked against them.
What lies ahead for both teams? For Hull KR, it’s about finding consistency and addressing the issues that have plagued their start to the season. For Catalans, it’s about maintaining their form and managing injuries effectively. With the Super League season still young, both teams have plenty to play for.