When Jared Waerea-Hargreaves arrived at Hull KR one of the first things he did was go for dinner with Neil Hudgell.
If the Kiwi icon didn’t know then what he had signed up for, he did after that. The desire to win was already there but the reasons for wanting it had evolved.
“I spoke to him about what the club meant to him, what it meant to his family, and it’s the reason why he’s still doing what he’s doing, because of the passion and love that he has for this club.
“This one’s not about us mate; it’s about the club and the people we represent. Bonesy, 30 years here, you know? They’ve been through it all.
Hull KR Cup final winners special
Hull KR are the 2025 Challenge Cup winners. The Robins put everyone through it but came away from Wembley victorious with a win that will be burned into the memory forever.
To celebrate the triumph, we’ve got a 40-page souvenir special packed full of the best photos from the day, fan galleries from outside Wembley, match analysis, reaction from within the camp and the best photos from the trophy parade.
Pre-order your copy now for just £3.50 and have it delivered to your door. Online postage and packaging costs apply. Available in participating retailers in the Hull area from Friday June 13, 2025.
“45 years. It’s an amazing feeling. I think the people that we represent, what the club has been through, it is not about us. It’s a great feeling, but what this club has gone through, relegation, the history of Neil, what he’s been through. The families and supporters, it’s bigger than us, so that one was for them. And we got to celebrate with our city and community. It’s next to none, I’m just really, really happy for them.”
For Waerea-Hargreaves, he has completed his assignment. He was brought in to add title-winning know-how to a club that does not have it. At the first attempt, Rovers have won a trophy. With that, their place in history is secured.
“No one can take it from us, right? We achieved something pretty special. It’s cool personally, it’s a great experience for my family. But like I said before, it is bigger than that. It is about the people we represent, the red and white. I am proud to represent them.”