In a stunning upset that will echo through the annals of rugby league history, Hull KR shattered expectations and dethroned the mighty Wigan Warriors with a commanding 24-6 victory in the 2025 Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford. This triumph wasn’t just a win—it was the culmination of a historic treble, adding the Grand Final trophy to their earlier conquests of the Challenge Cup and the League Leaders' Shield. But here’s where it gets even more remarkable: Hull KR became only the fifth team to lift the Super League Grand Final trophy, joining the elite ranks of Bradford Bulls, St Helens, Wigan, and Leeds Rhinos. And this is the part most people miss—they are also the first new champions in 21 years, halting Wigan’s quest for a third consecutive title and handing head coach Matt Peet his first final defeat.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotion and strategy. The first half’s turning point came when Wigan’s Brad O’Neill was shown a yellow card for a dangerous tip tackle on Tyrone May. Hull KR seized the opportunity, with Mikey Lewis—later crowned the Rob Burrow Player of the Match—and Joe Burgess crossing the line to establish a 10-0 lead. Adam Keighran’s penalty conversion for Wigan just before halftime narrowed the gap to 10-2, but the Warriors faced an uphill battle.
The second half saw Wigan’s Harry Smith respond with a try, reducing the deficit to 10-6. However, Hull KR’s resilience shone through. Rhyse Martin’s penalty conversion, Jez Litten’s converted try, and Burgess’s interception try with just two minutes remaining sealed the deal, propelling Hull KR to a 22-6 lead and cementing their place in history.
But here’s the controversial part: Was Wigan’s dominance truly over, or did Hull KR simply outplay them on the day? Some argue that Wigan’s missed opportunities in the first half—like Bevan French’s footwork leading to a dropped pass from Liam Farrell, or Liam Marshall’s disallowed try due to a knock-on—cost them the game. Others believe Hull KR’s tactical brilliance and unyielding spirit were the decisive factors. What do you think?
The build-up to the match was as grand as the occasion itself, with Sir Billy Boston presenting the trophy as ‘Jerusalem’ filled the air. In front of a roaring crowd of 68,853, Hull KR overcame early errors to capitalize on Wigan’s mistakes. Mikey Lewis’s audacious dummy in the 20th minute, followed by Burgess’s try, set the tone for a dominant performance.
Hull KR head coach Willie Peters praised his team’s community spirit, saying, ‘The people of East Hull have waited a long time. This is for them.’ Lewis, emotional in his post-match interview, reflected, ‘This group of players are special. To win the treble is a dream come true. My little boy will look back and see his dad’s a treble winner. It will be in the history books forever.’
This victory not only cements Hull KR as Super League giants but also raises a thought-provoking question: Are we witnessing the rise of a new dynasty, or was this a one-off triumph? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think Hull KR’s success is sustainable, or will Wigan bounce back stronger?
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