Hull Kingston Rovers (Hull KR) have silenced Wembley 63,000 strong, clinching their first Challenge Cup in 45 years with an unforgettable 8‑6 win over Warrington Wolves. Captain Elliot Minchella raised the trophy in the stadium that echoes the club’s storied history, bringing joyous relief to the red and white faithful.
Dramatic Final Twist
Warrington took a slender 6‑2 lead into halftime after Josh Thewlis powered through for a converted try. Despite Warrington’s dominance in territory and control, the second half remained scoreless until the 77th minute. Capitalising on a grubber kick by Tyrone May, Tom Davies pounced amid heavy rain, scoring the decisive try in a nail‑biting sequence that required video referee validation. The decision hinged on whether defender Arron Lindop grounded the ball first — the RFL later confirmed Davies’ grounding was legal in an interview with TotalRL.
Lewis’ Calm Nerves Seal Victory
With the match hanging in the balance, Mikey Lewis stood over the sideline conversion. Poised under immense pressure, he delivered, nudging the scoreboard to 8‑6. His composed performance didn’t just win the game, but wrote history. It’s noteworthy that Lewis was wearing the retired No. 6 shirt in tribute to legendary former Robins hero Roger Millward — a gesture rich in symbolism.
Defining Moments & Aftermath
Despite Warrington’s veteran playmaker Marc Sneyd earning the Lance Todd Trophy as Man of the Match, it was Hull KR’s resilience that took centre stage. Coach Willie Peters, who has revitalised the club’s identity, praised his team’s mental toughness and reflected on how a motivational talk from former GB captain Jamie Peacock on the eve of the final galvanised the squad.
Peta Hiku, in a candid post-match interview, admitted luck played a part, yet commended the team’s unwavering determination:
“We got a bit lucky … but the team just fought back to get the try at the end.”
Controversy & Key Talking Points
Warrington coach Sam Burgess voiced strong concerns, calling the try decision “wrong.” He publicly disputed the video referee call, stating Arron Lindop had grounded the ball firs. The RFL’s clarification, however, confirmed the try’s legality under contrasting grounding rules for attackers and defenders.
Other controversies emerged, including a potential spitting incident involving Hull KR’s Sauaso Sue, recorded for further investigation by the Match Review Panel.
Historic Lift-Off at Wembley
The victory ends a painful wait since Hull KR’s last major trophy — the 1984–85 John Player Special Trophy win — and their only previous Challenge Cup triumph in 1980 That haunting near-miss in 2023 — a golden point loss to Leigh — makes this triumph even sweeter
Citywide Celebrations
Back in Hull, fans are gearing up for a celebratory parade on Sunday 8 June. The procession will travel from Sewell Group Craven Park through Holderness Road to end at Hull City Hall at 6:15 pm. A big screen will replay match highlights while players and staff address the crowds from the balcony
What’s Next
Now atop the Super League and bolstered by this cup winning momentum, Hull KR aim to solidify their status as genuine title contenders. Coach Peters’ renewed vision — blending grit, unity, and tactical precision — signals a new era for the Robins.
Hull KR
In Summary: Hull KR’s stunning 8‑6 Challenge Cup triumph is more than a game–pulling them from 1980’s shadow to today’s champion cloak. It’s a story of perseverance — ending a 45‑year heartbreak and cementing a cultural renaissance in Hull. As city and club celebrate, the rugby league world will be watching: are the Robins now Super League contenders? The journey has only just begun for Willie Peters’ men.
