How A Little Respect Became Hull KR’s Anthem

From East Hull to Las Vegas

Some stadium traditions are carefully planned.

Others appear out of nowhere and slowly grow into something that defines a club.

For Hull Kingston Rovers, that tradition is an unlikely one — an 80s synth-pop song.

A Little Respect by Erasure has become one of rugby league’s most recognisable stadium anthems. When the chorus begins at Craven Park, thousands of supporters lift their scarves and sing together.

What started as a song over the stadium speakers has grown into a symbol of the club itself.

When a Song Meets the Right Crowd

The story didn’t begin with a marketing campaign or a fan group planning a new chant.

It happened naturally.

At some point the song began appearing on the matchday playlist at Craven Park — often during celebrations after big results. Fans stayed behind, the music played, and the chorus arrived.

All I want is a little respect.

The melody was perfect for a stadium. Slow enough for the crowd to join in, emotional enough to carry across the stands.

Soon the moment became a ritual.

The players applauding the crowd.
Scarves in the air.
Thousands of voices singing the same line.

A Song That Fits the Club

Part of the reason the anthem stuck is that the lyrics resonate with Hull KR supporters.

Hull is a two-team rugby league city, shared with rivals Hull FC.

For decades the rivalry has shaped the identity of both clubs. For many Rovers fans, the line “All I want is a little respect” perfectly captures their sense of pride and defiance.

It’s a lyric that feels personal.

Over time, the phrase became closely tied to the club’s identity — even appearing on Hull KR jerseys.

What began as a song had become a statement.

The Sound of Celebration

As Hull KR entered one of the most successful periods in the club’s history, the song became attached to its biggest moments.

When the club celebrated their Super League triumph in Hull city centre, thousands of supporters gathered in red and white.

Once again, the chorus echoed through the crowd.

By then the song belonged to the fans as much as the club.

It had become part of the soundtrack of modern Hull KR.

Taking the Anthem to Las Vegas

When rugby league staged matches in Las Vegas during the NRL Las Vegas Opening Round, Hull KR supporters made the trip across the Atlantic.

Inside Allegiant Stadium, thousands of miles from East Hull, something familiar happened.

The song started.

And the fans sang.

For a few minutes, the atmosphere inside a massive NFL stadium sounded exactly like Craven Park.

It was a reminder of something special about sport — traditions don’t stay behind when teams travel.

Fans bring them with them.

More Than a Song

A Little Respect is just a pop song.

But inside a rugby league stadium, it has become something more.

A moment of unity.
A symbol of identity.
A soundtrack for victories and celebrations.

And wherever Hull Kingston Rovers play next, there’s a good chance the chorus will follow.

Because sometimes the most powerful traditions in sport are the ones no one planned.