Hull KR start Super League title defence at newcomers York

In their opening game of the 2026 season, newly promoted York Knights will host treble winners Hull KR, who will begin their campaign for the title.

On Thursday, February 12 (GMT), Rovers will travel to York’s LNER Community Stadium (20:00 GMT).

Last season, Hull KR won the Challenge Cup, League Leaders’ Shield, and Grand Final, and won it with a 24-6 victory over Wigan Warriors, sealing the title.

In addition to the expanded 14-team competition, York will be one of three new Super League clubs for the upcoming season.

After placing 10th in this year’s grading system, Bradford Bulls were promoted in place of financially troubled Salford Red Devils, while The Knights and Toulouse Olympique were chosen by an independent panel.

After their one-season break in 2022, Toulouse will return to the top tier while York will play in the Super League for the first time.

Both Toulouse and the Bulls kick off the campaign with away games on Saturday, February 14th, following their 11-year absence from Super League.

In another area, Wigan, who lost to Wigan in the Grand Final last year, kicks off the season against Castleford on Sunday, February 16 with a live broadcast of the game.

A derby between Warrington Wolves and St. Helens at Halliwell Jones Stadium will be the highlight of three games on Friday, February 13.

As Leigh Leopards, who were beaten semi-finalists by beating them, take on Leeds Rhinos, who were dramatically eliminated from the play-offs by Saints, there will also be a match between the third and fourth-placed teams from last year.

Huddersfield Giants travel to Perpignan to face Catalan Dragons in the final match of the first round.

The move from Newcastle to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium for Magic Weekend will take place on Tuesday, according to the Super League.

The main events will be the return of derby games, with Wigan and St. Helens vs. Hull KR vs. Hull FC and Hull KR vs.

(All times are GMT)

Friday, February 12th,

York Knights v Hull KR (20: 00)

Friday, February 13th.

Dragons vs. Huddersfield Giants by Catalans (18:00)

Leeds Rhinos vs. Leigh Leopards (20:00)

St. Helens vs. Warrington Wolves (20:00)

14 February, Saturday,

Hull FC v Bradford Bulls (17: 30)

Toulouse vs. Wakefield Trinity (20:00)

Sunday, February 15