Hull KR begin title defence at York Knights as Super League clubs discover round one opponents

Last season's treble winners travel to the Knights on Thursday, February 12 before hosting Brisbane Broncos at the MKM Stadium in the sport's flagship domestic fixture seven days later.

Willie Peters' men will then fly to America for a groundbreaking Yorkshire derby against Leeds Rhinos in Las Vegas, rounding off a blockbuster start to the campaign.

RL Commercial managing director Rhodri Jones has revealed that Super League actively shaped round one to help the Robins gear up for their early-season showdown with Brisbane.

"We've worked with Hull KR in terms of preparing them as best as we can for the World Cup Challenge the following Thursday," he said.

"This game is on the Thursday night to give Hull KR the preparation time for that Brisbane game. We discussed with Hull KR and their ask of us was to play a team similar to York, a Bradford or Toulouse as an example."

The trip to the LNER Community Stadium is a repeat of KR's first competitive game of 2025, a comprehensive Challenge Cup victory that set the club on their way to a clean sweep of trophies.

York was also the scene of the semi-final win over Catalans Dragons that booked their place at Wembley.

For the Knights, the clash represents a historic moment as they take their first steps as a Super League club.

York earned promotion via a panel recommendation last month after capping an impressive rise with a Championship double, including the League Leaders' Shield.

"First night of Super League for York – we see it as an opportunity," added Jones. "We'll support York in terms of making it an event.

"You’ve got to play Hull KR at some point so why not play them first up? They might have their minds on the game the week after so I think it’s a really good opportunity for York to put their flag in the ground and show they are in Super League and will be a competitive force."

Bradford Bulls will mark their top-flight return with an away game against Hull FC on Saturday, February 14.

The four-time champions, who finished third in the second tier last season before gaining promotion through IMG's grading system, have to go back to 2014 for the last time they competed at the highest level.

Bradford – now under the stewardship of new head coach Kurt Haggerty – must wait to welcome Super League rugby back to Odsal after being handed a testing start at the MKM Stadium.

Elsewhere in round one, Castleford Tigers launch the Ryan Carr era at home to fallen champions Wigan Warriors.

The Australian has been tasked with restoring Castleford's fortunes after a string of lowly finishes.

Leeds also face a stern test with a trip to Leigh Leopards, the team that finished one place above them in third last season.

Huddersfield Giants travel to Perpignan to face Catalans, while Wakefield Trinity host Super League newcomers Toulouse Olympique in a repeat of the 2024 Championship Grand Final.

Round one schedule

Thursday, February 12

York Knights v Hull KR, 8pm

Friday, February 13

Catalans Dragons v Huddersfield Giants, 6pm (UK)

Warrington Wolves v St Helens, 8pm

Leigh Leopards v Leeds Rhinos, 8pm

Saturday, February 14

Hull FC v Bradford Bulls, 5.30pm

Wakefield Trinity v Toulouse Olympique, 8pm

Sunday, February 15

Castleford Tigers v Wigan Warriors, 3pm