Round 1 Round Up

The Betfred Super League hit different Round 1, starting with a historic victory for the newly promoted York Knights against the reigning champions, Hull KR.

Mark Applegarth’s Knights pulled off a shock victory in Thursday’s sensational season opener, with Ata Hingano’s late drop goal snatching the win – the first one-pointer of his career, in what was the first ever Super League win for his side.

In front of a sold-out crowd at the LNER Community Stadium, it was York who opened the scores courtesy of Sam Wood as he crashed over for the first try of the new campaign.

It didn’t take long for the treble-winners to regain control, however, as a Jai Whitbread double and Jesse Sue’s effort put the visitors 18-6 ahead.

It looked unlikely that York would stage a comeback as the Robins began to dominate - until a yellow card to Mikey Lewis for a trip suddenly shifted some momentum.

During this period, the Knights managed to capitalise with two quick fire tries in a tense final quarter.

Wood grabbed his second, before Scott Galeano scored on his Super League debut, setting up a grandstand finish.

Hingano was then the man of the hour as he slotted over a drop goal to take the two points on a memorable opening night (19-18).

Round 1 took place in Perpignan on the Friday as Catalans Dragons got off the mark with a strong home performance against Huddersfield Giants.

The Dragons controlled much of the game in wet and muddy conditions. Three of their new additions were on the scoresheet – Ben Condon put Catalans on the board with the opening try, before NRL recruits Charlie Staines and Solomona Faataape produced some individual brilliance to touch down.

Tommy Makinson was the hosts’ fourth try scorer of the evening, with the Giants only able to respond through Sam Halsall and George Flanagan towards the end of each half (26-10).

First blood to the Dragons ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/8n1JNeqIHq

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 13, 2026

It was truly box office at the Halliwell Jones Stadium as Warrington Wolves started their season in the best possible way, with a capacity crowd in attendance.

The Wolves were entertainers, racing into a commanding 18-0 lead at the break thanks to tries from Toby King, an outstanding solo effort from youngster Cai Taylor-Wray and Albert Hopoate.

Their local rivals, St Helens, struggled to find any rhythm early on, but attempted a second-half fightback through tries from Jack Welsby and Tristan Sailor.

But Josh Thewlis’ diving finish then soon put the game to bed for Sam Burgess’ men heading into the final stages, as they made a statement in the first round (24-14).

Over in Leigh, there was some pulsating action under the Friday Night Lights, and Leigh Leopards began their Super League season with a solid 26–14 win over Leeds Rhinos.

The Leopards’ tries came from Innes Senior, Edwin Ipape, Jack Hughes, Matt Davis, and Lachlan Lam

The Rhinos responded through Cooper Jenkins and Brodie Croft but couldn’t quite recover from Leigh’s second-half surge.

First blood to the Dragons ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/8n1JNeqIHq

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 13, 2026

They were further shocks on Saturday as Bradford Bulls came close to beating Hull FC on their return to Super League.

It was the best attended non-derby fixture of the Black & Whites’ since 2016.

First blood went to Bradford as Waqa Blake touched down in a real see-saw contest between the two teams.

The Bulls also marked their return to the top flight with a brilliant brace from Connor Wynne, but tries from Joe Batchelor, Harvey Barron and Davy Litten matched them.

What a @OfficialBullsRL try ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/pGNLXx4CtA

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 14, 2026

A Will Pryce drop goal and Cade Cust’s last minute try then sealed victory for the hosts and heartbreak for the Bulls, in what was a thrilling Round 1 tie (27-10).

The underdogs prevailed again on Saturday night as Toulouse Olympique stunned Wakefield Trinity and their bumper home crowd at the DIY Kitchens Stadium.

There were fireworks galore, as Olympique came back to Super League with a bang and secured a nail-biting 18-16 win over last year’s top six Trinity.

Olly Ashall-Bott starred for the French side on the night – starting and ending the scoring in style.

.@TOXIII take the lead on their return to the @Betfred #SuperLeague ? pic.twitter.com/40R9HC3sxY

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 14, 2026

Finally, Round 1 concluded with a clash at the home of the Castleford Tigers. Despite an early try from Liam Hood for the Tigers, Wigan Warriors went on to rule with five successive scores.

Liam Marshall, Bevan French, Zach Eckersley and Jake Wardle were the scorers on Sunday afternoon, although Castleford did show spirited signs in the closing stages with Miakele Ravalawa and George Lawler hitting back with consolations (26-16).

.@WiganWarriorsRL start the second half strong ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/HAFueZupCh

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 15, 2026

Round 1 ?

What did you make of the @Betfred #SuperLeague's opening round? ? ? pic.twitter.com/AVcR5uL1Ws

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 15, 2026