Hull KR finish a fairytale season with a historic treble
Hull KR finished a remarkable season in style, sealing a historic treble after a 24-6 win over Wigan in the Super League Grand Final. The Robins, who had not won a major trophy in four decades, added the Challenge Cup and the League Leaders’ Shield to their new status as champions, completing a rare treble in the modern era.
From heartbreak to history
Last year’s Grand Final heartbreak against Wigan, when Hull KR fell 9-2, provided a painful contrast to Sunday’s celebrations. This time the script flipped, with Willie Peters guiding a squad that looked every bit a title contender from early on. The treble places Hull KR among an elite group of clubs that have achieved the feat in the Super League era, joining Bulls, Rhinos, Saints, and Warriors as treble winners. Wigan, denying the trophy a first time in Matt Peet’s tenure, found the going tough against an uncompromising Robins outfit.
Willie Peters – a rising coaching star
Peters, whose coaching acumen attracted attention from NRL clubs, has elevated Hull KR from a competitive force to a title-winning machine. Former assistant roles at South Sydney, Manly, and Newcastle, plus a stint in the UK, culminated in a Grand Final that showcased his growing influence. Former players and pundits have celebrated his attention to detail and motivational prowess. Sam Tomkins described Peters as having “exponentially accelerated” the club’s progress, highlighting his obsession with the game and his ability to draw out his players’ best.
Mikey Lewis – the making of a legend
At the heart of Hull KR’s triumph was Mikey Lewis, crowned the 2024 Man of Steel and a player who seized his moment on the grandest stage. Peters challenged the star halfback to seize opportunities, and Lewis delivered, scoring the opening try and guiding his side through a tense period after a key yellow card. The 24-year-old’s performance was lauded as the defining moment of the game, with Peters calling it “the making of Mikey Lewis.” Lewis dedicated the victory to his family and his young son, promising that this treble would live in the history books forever.
JWH’s farewell and a fairytale finale
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, the former Warriors and Roosters forward, delivered his finest Hull KR performance in a swansong season. He arrived amid controversy over a prior ban, but the veteran’s energy, aggression, and leadership helped set a tempo that Hull KR rode to the final whistle. Coach Peters praised the influence of Waerea-Hargreaves and fellow veterans in shaping a culture that could sustain such a dramatic turnaround.
The turning points and decisive moments
The match swung after a yellow card to Brad O’Neill in the first half, which allowed Hull KR to press with a numerical advantage. A couple of key plays, including Burgess’ intercept try late on, sealed a lead that Wigan could not overturn. The night belonged to Hull KR’s collective effort, in which sophomore and senior contributors alike played pivotal roles, and Peters’ tactical masterclass in assembling a balanced, fearless outfit was evident throughout.
What this means for Hull KR and Super League history
For Hull KR, the treble is more than a trophy haul; it’s a vindication of long-term planning and steadfast belief in a project that many had written off after relegation just nine years ago. The club’s resilience, leadership, and on-field bravery have rewritten a chapter in Hull’s sporting history. The Grand Final victory also signals a potential shift in the balance of power within the competition, with a new era of consistency and ambition now on display for the Robins’ supporters as they celebrate a season that few saw coming.
Wigan’s perspective and the league’s evolving narrative
Wigan, a club with a storied tradition of success, faced a chastening defeat in a game that showcased Hull KR’s growth and strategic maturity. Coach Matt Peet acknowledged the credit due to the opposition and hinted that sometimes triumphs are written in the stars. The result will certainly fuel debate about the evolving dynamics of Super League and the ongoing challenge for established powers to keep pace with emerging forces like Hull KR.
Looking ahead
With Peters set to join the Australian setup as an assistant coach to the Kangaroos, this season’s triumph could be a launching pad for even greater things. For Hull KR, the focus now shifts to maintaining this new standard of excellence, building on a treble-winning foundation, and continuing to inspire a fanbase that has waited decades for such glory.
