A legendary farewell: Hull KR's historic Super League triumph
The story of a team's redemption and a coach's legacy.
Last year, Hull KR faced heartbreak in the Super League grand final. But this year, they wrote history. The Rovers, who suffered a defeat in 2024, have risen like a phoenix, claiming the treble and leaving an indelible mark on rugby league.
In a season that started with a 40-year trophy drought, Hull KR has achieved the extraordinary. They've lifted the Challenge Cup, secured the League Leaders' Shield, and now, they're the Super League champions. It's a feat achieved by only a handful of teams in the Super League era, joining an elite club that includes the Bulls, Rhinos, Saints, and Warriors.
But here's where it gets controversial... Wigan, the most successful of the previous champions, went trophy-less this year under Matt Peet. However, this achievement highlights the exceptional quality of the Hull KR team under Willie Peters.
Peters, now set to join the Kangaroos as an assistant coach, has left an indelible mark on the club. His obsession with the game, attention to detail, and motivational storytelling have transformed Hull KR into an unstoppable force. As former Warrior and Man of Steel Sam Tomkins puts it, "The quality of his coaching is unparalleled."
And this is the part most people miss... It's not just about the coach; it's about the players too. Enter Mikey Lewis, the star halfback and 2024 Man of Steel winner. Peters challenged Lewis to "own" the moment, and he delivered, scoring the opening try and setting the tone for a dominant performance.
"Tonight is the making of Mikey Lewis," Peters said. "He's a great player, but he's chasing greatness, and this is just the beginning."
An emotional Lewis, crowned man of the match, reflected on the treble win as a moment of immense pride. "It's very special," he said. "I wanted to make my family and my little boy proud. He'll always know that his dad is a treble winner, a part of history."
The game itself was a thriller, with a turning point in the first half when Brad O'Neill received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle. This moment sparked a scuffle, setting the tone for a physical encounter. But it was the performance of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, the much-maligned recruit, that truly stood out.
Waerea-Hargreaves, facing retirement at the end of the year, delivered a fairytale performance, running with aggression and energy. He left his mark on the game, and his teammates, with a big hit on Bevan French and a crucial knock-on forced on Liam Marshall. It was a performance that justified Willie Peters' faith in him.
"JWH produced his best performance tonight," Tomkins said. "He was signed for this moment."
Peters echoed these sentiments, praising Waerea-Hargreaves for "leaving his best for last." It was a fitting tribute to a player who embodied the spirit of the team.
The game hung in the balance until the very end, with Hull KR's lead fluctuating. But it was Joe Burgess' intercept and second try of the night that sealed the win. Captain Elliot Minchella described the turnaround as "bonkers," a testament to the club's resilience and determination.
"The people at the top of the club deserve credit," Minchella said. "They stuck by the team through thick and thin, and their commitment has paid off. I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved."
Wigan coach Matt Peet, in a show of sportsmanship, declared, "Sometimes, it's written in the stars. This season belongs to Hull KR."
So, what do you think? Is Willie Peters a coaching legend? And what about the impact of players like Mikey Lewis and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves? Share your thoughts in the comments; we'd love to hear your take on this historic Super League triumph!
