Hull scored three tries in the space of four minutes to stun city rivals Hull KR 22-16 at Magic Weekend in Manchester.
The Robins looked set to clinch a second win of the season over their neighbours when they led 16-6 with just seven minutes remaining at the Etihad Stadium, despite losing both Luke George and Rhys Lovegrove to injury.
Hull had other ideas, however, gaining revenge for their controversial defeat to the same opponents at the event last year thanks to a stunning comeback.
Yet just as the Black and Whites felt wronged by David Hodgson's match-winner 12 months ago, Rovers will be smarting at the award of Chris Green's try at the death as it seemed the forward was offside in the build-up.
An eighth win in nine matches didn't look on the cards for Peter Gentle's in-form side for much of the afternoon, even though they had broken the deadlock after four minutes when Daniel Holdsworth's 40-20 led to a try for Richard Whiting.
From then on, however, their play was blighted by errors; from one such turnover Craig Hall broke clear and although he was stopped by full-back Shannon McDonnell, Greg Eden burst free on the next play to reach the line.
Former Airlie Bird Hall did get over when he caught Michael Dobson's kick one-handed on the left wing and managed to reach the line, putting the depleted Robins 10-6 up at the end of the first 40 minutes.
A penalty from Dobson extended the lead to six and it seemed the Robins would be bobbing to another win over the Airlie Birds when Eden's floated pass set up Alex Brown on the right.
However, the combination of the strong sun and a lack of numbers saw Rovers wilt down the final stretch of the contest.
Winger Tom Lineham gave Hull a glimmer of hope when he dived in at the right corner, Holdsworth's conversion going in off a post to make it 16-12.
The scores were levelled up when Kirk Yeaman went over on the opposite side of the field soon after, with the centre given the benefit of any doubt over whether the ball had touched the line as he reached out to ground it.
If video official Steve Ganson thought that was to be his toughest call, he was mistaken. Just as a draw looked likely, Danny Houghton launched a long kick from halfway that after bouncing backwards, Green grabbed in front of Eden.
Replays showed that the Hull forward had appeared to be in front when the ball left Houghton's foot, yet the score was still awarded. While Rovers were left to question why, the Black and Whites were busy celebrating.