Rugby League: Hull KR Reach Challenge Cup Semi-Finals After Dramatic Win Over Leigh Leopards

Hull KR booked their spot in the Challenge Cup semi-finals with a hard-fought 26-14 victory over Leigh Leopards on Thursday. The Robins’ progress could have been more comfortable, however, as two of their tries were disallowed due to some rare and controversial decisions.

Joe Burgess found the try line either side of half-time, while Niall Evalds and Elliot Minchella also crossed for the visitors. Leigh led at the break, with coach Adrian Lam hailing it as “the best rugby we’ve played all year,” but Hull KR regained control in the second half.

The Robins could have been further ahead at the interval, but Jai Whitbread and Dean Hadley saw their scores ruled out. Whitbread’s try was chalked off for a ball steal, while Hadley’s was disallowed for a forward pass.

“It was the best rugby we’ve played all year.”

• Adrian Lam, Leigh Leopards coach

However, it was Hull KR’s third disallowed try that sparked the most discussion. Tyrone May’s effort to extend the lead to two scores was turned down by referee Chris Kendall. The official cited Jez Litten being in an “offside” or “downtown” position, a rarely invoked infringement in Super League.

Legendary coach John Kear, providing commentary on the BBC broadcast, agreed with the decision, explaining that Litten had failed to get back onside before the play. This proved a pivotal moment, as Leigh scored on the very next set to make it a one-score game.

Despite the frustrations of the disallowed tries, Hull KR ultimately held on for a deserved victory that sees them advance to the Challenge Cup semi-finals. The win provided a measure of “revenge” for the Robins after last year’s final defeat to the Leopards.

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