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New contenders, Brian McDermott decision made easy, another ban incoming, and more Hull KR v Warrington Wolves talking points - Serious About Rugby League

Serious About Rugby League · Sam Cook · 2026-08-18T21:09:12+00:00 · nguồn gốc

Warrington Wolves have humbled Hull KR at Craven Park and solidified their third-place spot in Super League with a brilliant win over the Robins. Wire won 34-26 with the Robins not scoring a try in the second half until the 80th minute, when they scored two, as Warrington came from 14-10 down at the half to put a dent in Hull KR’s hopes of a top-four finish. Meanwhile, that now looks certain for Wire, who may even be aiming for a top two finish and they’ll need George Williams for that, who was excellent in his second game back. He would score the try that put the game beyond all doubt before then assisting Albert Hopoate’s second try with a brilliant kick as Wire marched on in impressive fashion. NRL lowball Super League, Hull FC’s gargantuan signing, and new title favourites – Click here to watch this week’s episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show Hull KR versus Warrington Wolves talking points Brian McDermott halves decision obvious If Brian McDermott was questioning who will be wearing the number six shirt for England at this year’s World Cup, he won’t be anymore. The answer is now clear and obvious and it’s George Williams, not Mikey Lewis. That argument is two-pronged and relates to Williams’ excellence but also Lewis’ petulance, both of which were on show tonight, with the Wire captain bossing the game from start to finish. Lewis had his moments for sure. He was heavily involved in the 15 minutes before the half when he scored one and started making things difficult for Warrington, however, the story of the second half was one that has been all too familiar with Lewis – ill-disciplined and error-prone, as evidenced by his personal spats and him kicking out on the full twice. As for Williams, you’d never imagine he’s been out of action for months. It’s not just his inactivity but the reasons why. He’s back from an injury that could have been career-ending in the worst instances yet he seems mentally, and physically, sharp as a tack and that saw him command this game and surely cement the England number six shirt. Warrington definite contenders Despite strong league positioning all season, Warrington have rarely been touted as true title contenders. Many have held the belief that they will at some point fall away but we’re now four rounds from the end of the regular season and they sit third, just two points behind a top two finish With George Williams now back as if he never missed a beat, Danny Walker playing with serious intent to earn an England shirt, and a young superstar in Ewan Irwin, Wire are a real chance at not only making the top two but returning to Old Trafford for the first time since 2018. Up next are Huddersfield and Hull FC before a game against Wakefield Trinity and then a final home game against Toulouse. You would not rule out the Wolves from picking up eight points, which would take them to 42 – a total that has secured at least a top two finish in every season since the Covid-affected years. Jekyll and Hyde Mikey Lewis Not to belabour the point but Mikey Lewis simply is not learning his lessons. The sin bin late on capped off a mixed night, impressive with ball in hand but poor without it, but it marked his fourth yellow card of the Super League season, which is more than any other player in the competition. Perhaps more significant is that it’s now his second in two games, and will possibly lead to another ban. Ironically, the incident that he was sin binned for didn’t see him show any malice. Instead, he was simply applying kick pressure and just mistimed it but the referee was correct, the contact was dangerous. All that frustration counters the times when he looked strong during that 15-minute period ahead of the half in what was really a performance filled with moments of both genius and complacency, though the scale tipped the wrong way tonight. Pangai Jr swinging arm Whilst Mikey Lewis was back from a ban and may now face another, Tevita Pangai Jr was one game removed from his return and he could also be set for another ban for nothing other than sheer stupidity. A former professional boxer, the Australian took a huge swinging arm to the ribs of James Bentley, who was laid on the floor. His defence may be an attempt to punch out the ball but it’s a washy one and he seems certain to land another charge, knowing that a Grade B or more would equal at least a two-game ban. He would end the game with a try but it was only a consolation when the game was already gone. Statement of intent from the Wolves 🐺#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/YCjOT3xNuN — Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 18, 2026