A young Hull KR couple have travelled more than 10,000 miles to attend Saturday’s Challenge Cup final against Warrington Wolves – and stunned their families in the process.
Callum Robinson and Abigail Hoggard, both 24, returned home from the Gold Coast, Australia, in time for the trip to Wembley as Rovers look to end their 40-year trophy drought.
The pair landed in Manchester before making their way home to Hull. They’ll be part of a large Hull KR contingent on Saturday, with Robins fans expected to outnumber their Warrington counterparts in the capital.
Abigail, who holds Australian citizenship after living there with her family as a youngster, and Callum did some travelling before settling on the Gold Coast.
“We were completely shocked,” said Abigail’s father, Ricky, who has actually followed Hull FC all his life but attends every Challenge Cup final.
He joked: “I’m Hull FC, it’s in my blood. But my daughter has gone over to the dark side through Callum! We go regardless of who is there every year. There’s a group of us going in fancy dress this time.”
Callum has been a Hull KR supporter since a young child, and later persuaded girlfriend Abigail to support the Robins – attending the Challenge Cup final in 2023.
“We landed in Manchester on Friday night, stayed overnight and then drove on Saturday morning,” he explained.
“We’re back for two weeks, and then flying back. I only told my stepdad, so we arranged a hotel and tickets. When I surprised my mum, I said, ‘I can’t miss Wembley, can I?’
“Everyone was so surprised. We were on the phone earlier in the week saying that we couldn’t believe we were going to miss it, stirring the pot. It’s been pretty surreal. We’re really looking forward to Saturday.”