From Heartbreak to Glory: Hull KR's Historic Treble Triumph in the Super League Grand Final
Just a year ago, Hull KR suffered the agony of defeat in the Super League Grand Final. But in 2024, they didn’t just bounce back—they rewrote history. In a stunning reversal of fortunes, the Rovers dominated Wigan with a commanding 24-6 victory, securing the coveted treble: the Challenge Cup, the League Leaders’ Shield, and now, the Super League title.
But here’s where it gets even more impressive—this victory ended a 40-year drought for Hull KR, marking their first major trophy in decades. They’ve now joined an elite club, becoming only the fifth team in Super League history to achieve the treble, alongside legendary sides like the Bulls, Rhinos, Saints, and Warriors. Wigan, historically the most successful of these teams with four trebles to their name, found themselves empty-handed this season—a testament to Hull KR’s meteoric rise under head coach Willie Peters.
And this is the part most people miss—Willie Peters isn’t just a coach; he’s a master motivator and tactician. Former player and two-time Man of Steel Sam Tomkins put it perfectly: "His obsession with detail, his ability to inspire, and his relentless drive have transformed Hull KR from a competitive side to an unstoppable force." Peters, who’s now set to join the Australian Kangaroos as an assistant coach, has become one of the most sought-after names in rugby league—and after Sunday’s performance, it’s easy to see why.
Controversy Alert: Was This the Greatest Coaching Performance in Super League History? Some might argue that Peters’ success was inevitable given Hull KR’s talent, but let’s not overlook his genius. He expertly guided his team through high-pressure moments, including a pivotal yellow card for Wigan’s Brad O’Neill, which shifted momentum in Hull KR’s favor. O’Neill’s dangerous tackle on Tyrone May sparked an all-in brawl, with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves—Hull KR’s polarizing enforcer—lucky to escape punishment for his retaliation. Speaking of Waerea-Hargreaves, the veteran forward silenced critics with a career-defining performance, delivering bone-crunching hits and relentless energy in his final game before retirement. "You don’t sign JWH for the regular season," Tomkins noted. "You sign him for nights like this."
The X-Factor: Mikey Lewis’s Coming-of-Age Moment
Halfback Mikey Lewis, crowned Man of the Steel this season, was the heartbeat of Hull KR’s attack. Peters had challenged him to seize the big moments, just as Reece Walsh had done in the NRL Grand Final—and Lewis delivered. His opening try set the tone, and Peters later declared, "This was the making of Mikey Lewis. He’s not just a good player—he’s chasing greatness." An emotional Lewis dedicated the win to his family, especially his young son: "He’ll grow up knowing his dad made history."
The Turning Point and the Fairytale Finish
After O’Neill’s sin-binning, Hull KR capitalized with tries from Lewis and Joe Burgess. Wigan briefly threatened a comeback with a Harry Smith try, but errors cost them dearly. Jez Litten’s 60th-minute try extended the lead, and Burgess’s intercept try late in the game sealed the deal. Captain Elliot Minchella summed it up best: "Nine years ago, this club was relegated. Now, we’re treble winners. The people who stuck by us deserve this moment."
A Classy Exit and a Question for Fans
Wigan coach Matt Peet gracefully conceded defeat, admitting, "Sometimes, destiny has other plans." But here’s the debate-starter: Was this Hull KR team a product of perfect timing, elite coaching, or sheer individual brilliance? And does Willie Peters now belong in the conversation as one of the all-time great Super League coaches? Drop your thoughts below—we want to hear your take!
