CALLUM WALKER looks back on the greatest year in Hull KR’s history.
The hope
Hull KR had lost the 2024 Super League Grand Final to Wigan and they were aiming for revenge.
Experience in big games had been somewhat lacking for Rovers that year, so the signing of Michael McIlorum, Tom Davies, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Rhyse Martin was intended to offset that by bringing in players who had succeeded at the highest level.
But that only raised the pressure on Willie Peters and his men to stand up and be counted because, after several years of building their profile on Super League to become genuine contenders, they had still yet to win a major trophy. Could 2025 finally be the year?
The reality
Even the staunchest of Hull KR supporters could not have envisaged what lay ahead for the East Yorkshire club in 2025.
A clean sweep of all available trophies – the Challenge Cup, the League Leaders’ Shield and the Grand Final – firmly etched Rovers into the history books as they now contemplate taking on NRL Premiers Brisbane Broncos in the World Club Challenge.
With just five games lost all season, it was a year of major achievement, compounded by the fact that Rovers got revenge on Wigan from the previous campaign at Old Trafford in October as well as the fact that it was a different name on the Super League trophy for the first time in 21 years.
Rovers didn’t lose a game until April – a run of eight consecutive victories – and every home game at Craven Park was a sell-out as fans flocked to their beloved home to watch a champion side in the process of swatting away every potential challenger.
Hull KR didn’t only become the fifth side to win the Super League title, but In winning the treble they became only the fifth side to do so in the history of the summer game after Bradford Bulls (2003), St Helens (2006), Leeds Rhinos (2015) and Wigan (2024).
Best players
In a year of such prowess, it’s hard to choose just one or two, but the ever-imperious Mikey Lewis stands out once more. Nominated again for the Man of Steel, the halfback didn’t win it this time, but his changing role as a number 7 saw the England international mature into a game-controlling playmaker.
Jez Litten also had the campaign of his life and was rewarded with an England call-up against Australia at the end of the year, whilst Joe Burgess’ try-scoring form earned him a national appearance for the first time in ten years.
Captain Fantastic Elliot Minchella led from the front, and with Dean Hadley he was unlucky not to make the England set-up. Tom Davies made 501 carries, more than any other Super League player, and he made 3,794 metres, the third highest figure in the competition. Mid-season signing Arthur Mourgue also impressed after moving from Catalans Dragons, becoming the club’s leading points scorer.
In quotes
“There’s been a massive turnaround at this club and I want to continue to be a part of that journey. I feel like the east side of Hull have really brought me in as one of their own. The city and the club mean everything to me.” Mikey Lewis was determined to repay the faith in Hull KR after signing a new five-year deal in September.
“To get over the line was a really big moment for the club. From a personal point of view, it’s another honour so I’m really proud of the group.” Super League Dream Team inclusion Dean Hadley couldn’t hide his delight as Hull KR lifted the League Leaders’ Shield.
“It’s unbelievable. I am proud of these players and the performance to fight tooth and nail to win that. This started on the first day of training after losing the final last year. We knew we had to be better and we did that, we battled to the end, and it was amazing.” Willie Peters was understandably emotional following the Grand Final success over Wigan.
In numbers
190 points Arthur Mourgue scored during the campaign after making the move mid-season from Catalans.
292 points Hull KR conceded in 27 Super League games – an average of just under 11 per game.
45-year Challenge Cup drought was ended after Rovers won at Wembley in June.
Highlight
The 8-6 Challenge Cup Final victory over Warrington was one to savour, but it was the 24-6 demolition of Wigan in the Grand Final that will forever stick in Hull KR fans’ hearts.
After weathering an early storm from the Warriors – including two bombed tries – Rovers turned the screw with tries from Mikey Lewis, Joe Burgess (x2) and Jez Litten, ensuring Rovers completed an historic treble.
Lewis signing a five-year deal was also brilliant news for the Robins.
Lowlight
An inexplicable 28-12 loss to Wakefield Trinity in Round 26 as Rovers held a firm grip on top spot seemingly put the cat amongst the pigeons in what was Hull KR’s worst performance of the season by some stretch.
Those pigeons soon took revenge on the cat, however, with Willie Peters’ side lifting the League Leaders’ Shield a week later against Warrington at Craven Park.