Opening defeat can be KR's motivation

HULL KR's opening night of their Super League title defence did not go to script, as York Knights produced one of the biggest upsets the competition has ever seen on a landmark occasion.

- By JOSH MCALLISTER

The night belonged to York, marking their first-ever Super League fixture following promotion.

Mark Applegarth's side showed grit and determination, spurred on by a sellout crowd at the LNER Community Stadium, overturning an 18-6 deficit to complete a dramatic comeback in the closing stages.

Momentum shifted when Mikey Lewis was sent to the sin bin for a unnecessary trip on Liam Harris.

York capitalised on their numerical advantage, and added another against KR back to full strength before sealing the victory in the 76th minute through a drop-goal from Ata Hingano.

However, it's not all doom and gloom for the Robins.