Last year it was heartbreak for Hull Kingston Rovers; this year, history. The Rovers, who suffered a narrow 9-2 defeat to Wigan in the 2024 Super League grand final, have exacted their revenge by completing a historic treble. This triumph marks their first major trophy in 40 years, adding the Super League championship to their Challenge Cup and League Leaders’ Shield victories after a commanding 24-6 win in Sunday’s decider.
This achievement places Hull KR among an elite group, becoming only the fifth team to win the treble in the Super League era. They join the ranks of the Bulls, Rhinos, Saints, and Warriors, the latter of which has claimed the treble four times. However, this year Wigan went without a trophy for the first time under coach Matt Peet, underscoring the exceptional quality of the Hull KR squad under Willie Peters.
The Rise of Willie Peters and Hull KR
Willie Peters, who will soon join Kevin Walters as assistant coach of the Kangaroos for the upcoming Ashes tour, has been a transformative figure for Hull KR. Previously an assistant coach at the Rabbitohs, Sea Eagles, and Knights, Peters has become a sought-after name in the rugby league world. His impact on the team has been profound, as highlighted by former Warrior and two-time Man of Steel, Sam Tomkins.
“Willie Peters has exponentially accelerated where this club is at,” Tomkins stated on Sky Sports. “His obsession with the game, his ruthless attention to detail, his ability to motivate and storytell and get the best out of his team has taken Hull KR from being a very competitive team to being almost untouchable in 2025.”
Under Peters’ leadership, Hull KR has not only become a dominant force but also a team capable of seizing crucial moments, as demonstrated by their star halfback and 2024 Man of Steel winner, Mikey Lewis.
Mikey Lewis: The Making of a Star
Mikey Lewis rose to the occasion in Sunday’s final, delivering the opening try and earning the man of the match title. Peters had challenged Lewis to “own” the moment, drawing parallels to Broncos fullback Reece Walsh’s performance against Melbourne in the NRL.
“Tonight was the perfect opportunity for him. Tonight is the making of Mikey Lewis, no doubt about it,” Peters said post-match. “We know he’s a very good player, but he wants to chase greatness. This is the start of that.”
An emotional Lewis reflected on the significance of the victory, stating, “I just had to do myself proud, my family proud, and my little boy. He’ll be able to look back when he’s older and see his dad’s a treble winner. It will be in the history books forever.”
Key Moments and Turning Points
The match itself was marked by pivotal moments, including a yellow card to Wigan’s Brad O’Neill in the first half, which allowed Hull KR to capitalize with tries from Lewis and Joe Burgess. O’Neill’s dangerous tackle on Tyrone May sparked a scuffle, involving former Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, who narrowly avoided being binned.
Waerea-Hargreaves, who faced a potential ban, delivered a standout performance in what was his final game before retirement. Running for 94 meters and making 15 tackles, his presence was instrumental in setting the tone for Hull KR’s victory.
“JWH, he produced his best performance in a Hull KR shirt tonight,” Tomkins noted. “You sign JWH for tonight.”
Hull KR’s captain, Elliot Minchella, expressed his pride in the team’s turnaround, having been relegated just nine years ago. “Credit goes to the people at the top of the club who have stuck by it through thick and thin,” he told the BBC. “I’ve been here for six years and the turnaround in that time has been astronomical, so I’m just so proud.”
Future Implications and Reflections
As Hull KR basks in their historic achievement, the future looks promising under Peters’ guidance. The victory not only solidifies their status in the Super League but also sets a new benchmark for excellence. Meanwhile, Wigan coach Matt Peet graciously acknowledged the Rovers’ success, stating, “Sometimes I think these things are written in the stars and this season belongs to them.”
With the treble secured, Hull KR has etched their name into the annals of rugby league history, a testament to their resilience, strategic prowess, and the indomitable spirit of their players and coaching staff. The journey from heartbreak to triumph serves as an inspiring narrative of perseverance and ambition, setting the stage for future endeavors on the rugby field.
