By STEVE MASCORD
SUPER League champions Hull KR expressed a preference to play a promoted side in round one, according to Rugby League Commercial managing director Rhodri Jones.
The League announced this morning the 2026 season would open with York at home to the Robins on Thursday, February 12. The balance of the round is three Friday night games (home teams first) – Catalans-Huddersfield, Warrington-St Helens, Leigh-Leeds – Saturday will see Hull FC host Bradford and Wakefield host Toulouse and on Sunday Castleford entertains Wigan.
And Jones freely admitted the governing body sought to help Willie Peters’ side topple Brisbane a week later at MKM Stadium.
“That’s a game we worked with Hull KR on in terms of giving them the best preparation we can for the World Club Challenge the following Thursday,” Jones said in reference to the season opener at LNER Stadium.
“We’ve clearly looked after Hull KR to give them the best preparation to win the World Club Challenge and we’ve worked with Hull KR on that.
“We discussed (this) with Hull KR and their want, their desire, their ask of us was to play a team similar to a York, a Bradford, a Toulouse as an example.
“Look, we see it as an opportunity. You’ve got to play Hull KR at some point, as a York. You’ve got to play them.
“Why not play them first up? In front of a crowd, first night of Super League for York.
“We’ll support York and wrap around that in terms of making it an event.
“They might have their minds on the game the week after. It’s a really good opportunity for York to put their flag in the ground and show that they are in Super League and they’ll be a competitive force.”
An early Friday night game in France will be a feature of the season, Jones said. Catalans-Huddersfield from the Gilbert Brutus will kick off at 6pm UK time followed by the two British games.
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