Hull | The Robins stand on the precipice of sporting greatness

Hull KR v Wigan Warriors preview

The Robins stand on the precipice of sporting greatness as they target a trio of trophies.

Author | Oliver W

Stadium | Old Trafford

Derby day victory in September 

The wider context

It is a tale that has been revisited many times in recent years, and with good reason. Hull KR’s rise to the top of Super League is a remarkable achievement given where they once were.

Just nine years ago, they suffered relegation in the cruellest of ways, surrendering a lead against Salford Red Devils in the 2016 Million Pound Game before losing in golden point and slipping into the Championship.

Now, less than a decade on, they stand on the verge of completing one of the most striking turnarounds in modern sport. As talismanic half-back Mikey Lewis put it in his pre-match comments, their journey speaks volumes about the club’s resilience and ambition.

The crowning glory of a remarkable season

Hull KR’s record this season is nothing short of extraordinary. They have already lifted the Challenge Cup and secured the League Leaders’ Shield, an astonishing feat for a club that finished bottom of Super League only five years ago.

What makes their resurgence even more striking is their response to Wigan’s quadruple triumph last season. Rather than being daunted, Hull KR have set about mounting their own bid for a treble, a statement of intent from a team that has refused to be intimidated by history or expectation.

Revenge for last season

Last season, Wigan were victorious over the Robins with a narrow 9-2 victory. In doing so, they became the first team in the Super League era to win all 4 major trophies in the same year.

Pre-match at the 2024 Grand Final

Out with the old. In with the new?

Whatever happens in the final, change is coming for the East Hull club.

With the youthful brilliance of Mikey Lewis complemented by the experience and leadership of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Micky McIlorum, Hull KR have built one of the most formidable sides of the modern era.

But Saturday will also mark a farewell. Both Waerea-Hargreaves and McIlorum will retire after the match, bringing an end to two distinguished careers that have helped shape Hull KR’s rise.