What began as a night of high tension and flaring tempers at Old Trafford ended with sheer jubilation for Hull KR, as they overcame both a fierce opponent and a fiery scuffle to secure their first-ever Super League title.
The Grand Final clash with Wigan Warriors wasn’t short of drama — a single punch set off a full-blown melee before order was finally restored on the field.
The Heated Clash That Ignited the Crowd
Things took a turn when Hull KR’s Jared Waerea-Hargreaves struck Wigan’s Brad O’Neill in the face after a reckless foul on Tyrone May.
O’Neill had dangerously flipped May over, prompting immediate retaliation and a chaotic brawl between both teams.
For a few moments, the match descended into bedlam, with players clashing as referees and officials rushed to calm the situation.
Once the dust settled, Hull KR regained their composure — and their focus — to finish the match in style.
They powered through to a 24-6 victory, rewriting history by lifting their first Super League crown.
Making History and Defying the Odds
Saturday night’s triumph was more than just a win; it was a milestone in the club’s remarkable journey.
Hull KR became only the fifth team to win the Super League title in its 28-year history, joining an elite list that includes St Helens, Leeds Rhinos, Bradford Bulls, and Wigan Warriors themselves — who had won the last two Grand Finals.
Despite being considered underdogs, KR completed a dream season.
They not only captured the League Leaders’ Shield and the Challenge Cup but also topped the league standings, sealing a sensational treble.
From Relegation to Redemption
The magnitude of Hull KR’s success becomes even clearer when looking back at their past struggles.
Just nine years ago, the team suffered relegation after losing to Salford Red Devils in the 2016 Million Pound Game.
Four years ago, they were languishing at the bottom of the Super League table.
Now, in a stunning reversal of fortune, they’ve become the first new team in 21 years to win the Grand Final — a comeback story few could have predicted.
Their resilience, determination, and unity have transformed them from near collapse to champions.
The Heroes Who Delivered the Dream
Mikey Lewis, Joe Burgess (who scored twice), and Jez Litten were the try-scorers of the night, while Arthur Mourgue and Whyse Martin added the crucial conversions that sealed the victory.
Team captain Elliot Michella summed up the emotion of the moment in an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, saying, “The club got relegated nine years ago and we’ve just won a treble. Bonkers.
Credit goes to everyone who stuck with this club through the tough times — they could have walked away, but they didn’t.
I’ve been here six years, and the transformation has been unbelievable. I’m just so proud.”
A Coach’s Pride and a City’s Glory
Head coach Willie Peters, visibly emotional after the match, told Sky Sports, “The first word that comes to mind is proud — proud of the players, the people, the performance.
It’s been a journey that started from day one of training.
What happened last year drove us, and tonight we saw the result. Absolutely amazing.”
He also highlighted the grit and spirit of the club’s community, saying, “You never forget where you come from.
Our people in East Hull never get it easy, and we knew tonight wouldn’t be easy either.
But that’s what makes this victory so special — we fought for every inch.”
What Comes Next for the New Champions?
As the celebrations continue, all eyes will be on how Hull KR build on this historic triumph.
With a treble under their belt and a squad full of confidence, the challenge now is to sustain their dominance and defend their hard-earned crown next season.
For a club once written off as relegation fodder, Hull KR’s journey has become one of the most inspiring comeback stories in Super League history — a reminder that persistence, belief, and teamwork can truly turn chaos into glory.