Hull KR start Super League title defence at newcomers York

59 minutes ago 8

Treble winners Hull KR will start the defence of their Super League title with a visit to newly promoted York Knights in the opening game of the 2026 season.

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

Hull KR won the Challenge Cup, League Leaders' Shield and Grand Final last season, sealing the title by beating previous champions Wigan Warriors 24-6 at Old Trafford in October.

York are one of three new clubs in Super League for next season as part of an expanded 14-team competition.

The Knights and Toulouse Olympique were selected to join the top flight by an independent panel, while Bradford Bulls were promoted in place of financially troubled Salford Red Devils after climbing to 10th in this year's grading system.

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

Both the Bulls, who return to Super League after an 11-year absence, and Toulouse start the campaign with away games on Saturday, 14 February.

Bradford will make the journey east to face Hull FC, while Toulouse travel to Wakefield Trinity.

Elsewhere, last season's beaten Grand Finalists Wigan start the season at Castleford on Sunday, 16 February in a game that will be live on BBC iPlayer.

The highlight of three games on Friday, 13 February is a derby between Warrington Wolves and St Helens at Halliwell Jones Stadium.

There will also be a meeting of last season's third and fourth-placed teams as beaten semi-finalists Leigh Leopards host Leeds Rhinos, who were knocked out of the play-offs in dramatic fashion by Saints.

In the final game of the opening round Huddersfield Giants make the trip to Perpignan to face Catalans Dragons.

The Easter weekend fixture list features a 'Rivals Round' of games packed with local derbies.

On Friday, 3 April, St Helens will take on Wigan, Hull KR will host the Hull city derby against Hull FC, while Leeds Rhinos visit old foes Bradford Bulls.

The following day the competition's two French sides - Catalans and Toulouse - will meet in Perpignan, Huddersfield face York and Warrington welcome Leigh.

The final game of the weekend on Sunday, 5 April sees Wakefield make the short trip to Castleford.

Super League announced on Tuesday that Magic Weekend will move from Newcastle to Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium for 2026.

The return of derby fixtures will form the centrepiece of the event across 4-5 July, with Hull KR v Hull FC and Wigan v St Helens among the fixtures.

The rest of the fixtures for the 2026 season will be announced on Thursday.

(All times GMT)

Thursday, 12 February

York Knights v Hull KR (20:00)

Friday, 13 February

Catalans Dragons v Huddersfield Giants (18:00)

Leigh Leopards v Leeds Rhinos (20:00)

Warrington Wolves v St Helens (20:00)

Saturday, 14 February