Hull KR Begin Super League Title Defence Away to Newly Promoted York Knights in 2026 Season Opener

Reigning treble winners Hull KR will begin their Super League title defence with an opening-night trip to newly promoted York Knights when the 2026 season kicks off on Thursday 12th February.

Rovers, who lifted the Challenge Cup, League Leaders’ Shield and Grand Final last season – sealing their first Super League crown with a 24-6 victory over Wigan Warriors at Old Trafford – will travel to York’s LNER Community Stadium for a televised 8pm curtain-raiser.

York enter their first-ever Super League campaign as one of three new clubs in the expanded 14-team competition. They and Toulouse Olympique were selected for promotion by an independent panel, while Bradford Bulls replace financially stricken Salford Red Devils after finishing 10th in the IMG grading table.

Toulouse return to the top flight for the first time since their single-season stint in 2022, and both they and the Bulls begin with away fixtures on Saturday 14th February. Bradford travel to Hull FC, while Toulouse head to Wakefield Trinity.

Elsewhere, last season’s beaten Grand Finalists Wigan Warriors open their campaign away at Castleford on Sunday 16th February, with the match streamed live on BBC iPlayer.

Friday night’s schedule on 13th February features a standout derby clash between Warrington Wolves and St Helens, while Leigh Leopards host Leeds Rhinos in a meeting of last season’s semi-finalists.

The opening round concludes with Huddersfield Giants travelling to Perpignan to face Catalans Dragons.