Hull KR’s stars shared their pride after securing a historic first-ever League Leaders’ Shield of the Super League era – but they know the job isn’t done yet. With a home semi-final secured and Old Trafford in sight, the Robins are focused on completing a memorable treble.
The Robins clinched top spot with a dramatic 28–20 victory over Warrington Wolves at a packed Sewell Group Craven Park, lifting their second trophy of the season. Rovers were made to work hard against Sam Burgess’ side but are now just two wins away from securing every major silverware on offer in 2025.
Captain shares pride but demands more
“We don’t make life easy for ourselves, but I’m really proud,” said captain Elliot Minchella
“There was a lot of adversity there tonight, coming off the back of a pretty poor performance from last week. We just got over the line – it wasn’t pretty, but we got the job done. We’ve got lots of work to do, but I’m really pleased.
“This one is for the fans, and I hope they enjoy it because they’ve waited a long time for it.
“We’ve got a lot of expectations within the group and high standards, and we want to win. We’ve won two that we set out at the start of the year, but there’s another one coming up. We’re respectful of the other five teams in the play-offs with us, but we want to win that as well.”
Jez Litten’s ‘happy but not happy’ admission
In-form hooker Jez Litten echoed the sentiment – proud of the moment but already looking ahead.
“Obviously I’m proud, proud to get it done for the club,” he said.
“It’s a bit of history, but the performance wasn’t what we wanted. I’m happy, but not happy at the same time. You’ve got to soak it up but like Willie Peters said, we’ve got a lot to improve on.
“We’ve been on a journey as players and been through rough times, which is why I’m proud to do it for the fans. But if we want to win a semi-final, we have to be better than we are tonight.
“Obviously it’s [League Leaders’ Shield is about] consistent, but we all know the big one is at Old Trafford.
“I’m proud to get it done, but that feeling I got at Old Trafford last year, I don’t think I’ve had anything like it. To get back there would be a dream come true.”
Mikey Lewis hungry for more
Reigning Man of Steel Mikey Lewis was quick to praise the Rovers faithful, while making it clear that the team’s hunger hasn’t been satisfied just yet.
“These fans deserve this,” said the superstar half-back. “From 2016 when we got relegated, to nine years on, we’re league leaders, Challenge Cup winners, and the fans deserve it.
“There’s another couple of games yet, and we’re really striving for that. We’ll enjoy this with the fans and family, but we know we need to be better in parts of the game.
“We’ve got a nice little rest, but we’ll work hard in that week off then a home semi. I can’t wait to get back out there now.”
Sam Luckley staying grounded
Prop forward Sam Luckley stayed grounded after the win, with his eyes firmly on the final prize.
“It’s a great feeling, enjoying the celebrations with everyone,” smiled the Geordie. “But you want to keep your feet on the floor. It’s nice to get a trophy, but we want the big one at the end.
“We’re two out of three so far, so we are happy. But all year, we’ve set our sights on the treble. One more to go.
“We’ve got a great team, and it will be a tough task. We need to keep our feet on the floor, and just keep ticking each week off.”