Hull KR’s Treble Triumph: History Made in a Dominant Grand Final
In a season that began with questions about whether Hull KR could reclaim their place among rugby league’s elite, a historic treble has rewritten the club’s narrative. After securing the Challenge Cup and the League Leaders’ Shield already, the Robins closed the 2024 campaign with a convincing 24-6 victory over Wigan to lift the Super League trophy and seal a remarkable ascent from 40 years without a major prize to a triple crown of honours.
From Heartbreak to Historic Victory
Last year, the challenge was immense as Hull KR fell 9-2 to Wigan in a Grand Final that stung the club’s ambitions. This time around, resilience and ruthlessness defined their campaign, culminating in a performance that left no doubt about their status as Super League champions. The treble—achieved with a blend of experienced leadership and youthful exuberance—places Hull KR among the select few who have pulled off the feat in the modern era, joining the Bulls, Rhinos, Saints and Warriors as treble success stories.
Coaching Genius and the Man to Lead a Transformation
Willie Peters, the innovative coach whose stewardship has ignited Hull KR’s revival, has become a focal point of debate and admiration in equal measure. Fresh off discussions about higher roles in the NRL, Peters’ work with the Robins has elevated the club from a competitive side to a genuine powerhouse. Former star Sam Tomkins lauded Peters’ relentless pursuit of perfection, noting his ability to motivate, detail every facet of the game, and unlock players’ untapped potential.
The Peters Effect: Turning Moments Into Milestones
Speaking after the Grand Final, Peters credited his squad for embracing a new standard of excellence. “Willie Peters has exponentially accelerated where this club is at,” Tomkins said, highlighting how a strategic shift can redefine a club’s ceiling. Peters himself emphasised the importance of delivering on big moments, pointing to Mikey Lewis as a prime example of a star rising under pressure.
The Star Players Who Made the Night Special
Lead playmaker Mikey Lewis, fresh off earning the 2024 Man of Steel, delivered a performance that underscored why Hull KR believed he would become a cornerstone of their era. Peters challenged Lewis to “own” the moment, a directive that paid dividends as Hull KR opened a 10-0 lead during a period defined by discipline and execution. Lewis’ calm, decisive approach culminated in a tally that sparked the Robins’ momentum, and his leadership continued to set the tone as the clock wound down.
JWH Delivers a Fairy-Tinish Farewell Performance
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, the veteran recruit who faced a head-high ban earlier in the week, produced his finest performance in a Hull KR shirt. Running 94 metres and contributing 15 tackles, the 36-year-old delivered a veteran presence that helped suppress Wigan’s challenge and provided a vital physical edge. Tomkins and Peters both credited Waerea-Hargreaves for a night that appeared tailored to a lingering fairytale ending for a player who had decided to retire at year’s close.
What the Grand Final Victory Means for Hull KR
The match was not only a celebration of an unprecedented season but a declaration that Hull KR’s revival is sustainable. Captain Elliot Minchella praised the club’s leadership and forward planning, stressing that a long-term vision, not a single surge, underpinned the journey from relegation threats to a treble-winners’ mantle. The 24-6 scoreline reflected a controlled display—solid defence, efficient attack, and a refusal to yield in the late stages.
A Look Ahead: A New Era for Hull KR and the NRL Connection
With Peters poised to influence rugby league beyond the red and white of Hull KR, and players like Mikey Lewis continuing to push boundaries, the club’s success could reshape expectations around the Super League and its links to the NRL. As the sport reflects on a season of near-misses becoming moments of triumph, Hull KR’s treble will serve as a blueprint for how a club can channel adversity into lasting achievement.
In a landscape where few teams have dared to dream of the treble, Hull KR have written a new chapter—one that confirms their status as one of rugby league’s great overhauls and a beacon for clubs seeking a similar renaissance.
