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The Hull Kingston Rovers (Hull KR) Robins have ended a 40-year wait for major silverware with a last-gasp win over Warrington in the Betfred Challenge Cup Final.
Hull KR beat Warrington Wolves 8-6 in dramatic fashion, in order to lift their first Challenge Cup trophy since 1980.
Kiwis enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves joined the team this year, while centre Peta Hiku is in his second year at Hull KR following appearances for the Kiwis in the 2024 Pacific Championships.
The Robins ended 40 years of waiting for major silverware but left it late to do so against Sam Burgess’ side at Wembley Stadium.
The 2025 Final may have been low scoring on Saturday, but was an end-to-end thriller for the full 80 minutes, with just a KR penalty goal separating the two sides until the 39th minute.
Josh Thewlis’ dive in the corner just before the break gave Warrington the advantage, with maverick Marc Sneyd producing a stellar Lance Todd Trophy performance – who is now a joint-record three-time Lance Todd Trophy winner.
The second stanza showcased a tightly fought battle in unseasonal rainy and windy conditions, but Wire, who were arguably the better team for large parts, were unable to add to the lead.
In the closing minutes, the Robins came up with a frantic play which paid off – as Tom Davies dived to ground Tyrone May’s grubber kick, sending the East End of Rovers fans into complete raptures.
Wembley then waited with bated breath as magic Mikey Lewis lined up the kick to win it – and he did so with nerves of steel to etch both himself and Hull KR in history and win the coveted Challenge Cup.
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