Sky Sports pundit Jon Wilkin insists Wigan Warriors are still the team to beat in this year’s Super League competition, and believes Hull KR ’s Challenge Cup celebrations will only motivate the reigning champions to go all the way at Old Trafford once again.
Rovers ended 40 years of hurt last week after claiming the prestigious Challenge Cup title at Wembley. Their celebrations continued back in Super League on Friday night after crushing Catalans Dragons 68-6 in front of a record home crowd at Sewell Group Craven Park.
Willie Peters’ side are closing in on a year unbeaten against every Super League outfit – except Wigan. Matt Peet’s Warriors were crowned champions at the Theatre of Dreams last October, and were victorious again when the two sides met in April, claiming a 28-12 result.
Despite Rovers’ success and growing talk of a potential treble, former England and Great Britain international Wilkin maintains that the Cherry and Whites are still the benchmark.
“I think Wigan are the best team in the competition,” Wilkin said.
“Watching this [Challenge Cup celebrations at Sewell Group Craven Park] will antagonise them to some extent, I think they’re humble enough to just congratulate Hull KR for their achievement.
“But they will believe, and rightly so, that they are the greatest team in the competition.
“Hull KR have got to do it against Wigan in a big game – that’s their big challenge. Their big moment this year, when they face off against Wigan next time around.”
The two sides will meet next in August at the Brick Community Stadium in Round 22.
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.