Hull KR confirm their status as ‘Super League Giant’ as they add grand final win over Wigan Warriors to short list of winners | Rugby League News

From time to time, a disruptor comes along and changes the status quo. They’re challenging the big boys, no, they’ve become one of the big boys. Welcome to the ‘Super League Giant Club’, Hull KR.

Not many sports can say that four teams dominated the competition in the same way that the Premier League did. Add to that the fact that one of the four Bradford Bulls players has not been in the top flight for 11 years.

Twenty-seven grand finals have passed and these four names have taken turns taking the trophy. Leeds experienced a period of sustained success, as did St Helens. There has not been a new name on the cup in 21 years.

The list went: Wigan Warriors, St Helens, St Helens, Bradford Bulls, St Helens, Bradford, Leeds Rhinos, Bradford, St Helens, Leeds, Leeds, Leeds, Wigan, Leeds, Leeds, Wigan, St Helens, Leeds, Wigan, Leeds, Wigan, St. Helens, St Helens, St Helens, St Helens, Wigan, Wigan.

Then, in the 28th Super League Grand Final, something happened. There has been a shift, there has been change, and the competition will never be the same.

Hull KR becomes the fifth name on that list.

After destroying Wigan’s ‘treble-peat’ quest to win a third successive grand final, Hull KR made their own treble history.

They won the League Leaders Shield and the Challenge Cup. They finished first. However, Wigan entered the competition as favourites.

Everyone said experience pays off. Well, Hull tore up that script, and then some of it in a 24-6 win that changed the course of their club’s history.

Wigan were the heavyweights and KR Hull was the challenger for their belt. They took it in style.

What’s always interesting about a rematch? There is always someone trying to assert their continued dominance and someone who has a big point to prove.

Robins proved their point.

With their hat-trick they join the upper echelons of the Premier League. Bradford Bulls did it in 2003, St Helens did it in 2006, Leeds Rhinos did it in 2015, Wigan Warriors did it in 2024, and now Hull KR have done it in 2025.

The question of whether they can do it on the biggest stages is long gone. They defeat a giant and later become a giant in the process.

This is the club that has suffered the most painful setbacks. After being beaten by Salford in 2016 and relegated to the Championship, the Robins have rebuilt, come back stronger, and made a name for themselves to remember.

“There’s been a lot of downs. But three downs this year after nothing for 40 years,” owner Neil Hugill said.

He added: “To make proper history and be a new name on the cup is a testament to Willie (Peters) and the group.

“I’m not a great mentor, I always get it wrong, but I felt like this was the right time to figure it out.

“I’m really happy and proud. For Mickey Lewis and (Elliot) Minchella. Those boys took some stick, but they answered it.”

Many clubs have tried before them and failed. Hull FC has tried. Warrington Wolves have tried. Castleford Tigers have tried. Salford have tried the Red Devils. The Catalans have tried the dragon. They all fell at the final hurdle.

Now the question for Hull KR is not whether they are one of the big ones, but how big they want to be.

They have to say “and new”. Now, it’s about being a team that can survive and stick.