The Rovers winger is confident the club are on the right path now to more glory
Hull KR’s Joe Burgess in action against Hull FC(Image: David Greaves, DGRFL Images)
Joe Burgess has set his sights on another Wembley day out – just days after firing Hull KR to derby bragging rights.
The Robins ended a 40-year wait for silverware under the famous arch last June, with a dramatic 8-6 win over Warrington Wolves to lift the Challenge Cup trophy. It sparked the beginning of a historic treble for the East Hull side, while celebrations at Queen Victoria Square will live long in the memory.
A place in the semi-finals is up for grabs on Saturday – and if that’s not motivation enough, Willie Peters’ side also have the chance to avenge their shock opening-night defeat to York Knights.
“It’s going to be tough – it’s knockout rugby league,” said star winger Joe Burgess. “Even though York haven’t got the results over the last few weeks, they’ve been pushing teams, including Wigan and Wakefield. We really want to get to Wembley again. It was a great, great weekend.”
Burgess was the double try-scoring hero as Rovers beat bitter rivals Hull FC 24-6 in the 250th derby at Sewell Group Craven Park. The result continues Hull KR’s derby dominance, with further tries from Jack Broadbent, Oliver Gildart and Jez Litten helping to secure Rovers’ seventh successive derby win over the Black and Whites.
“A derby win – you can see what it means to the East side of the City,” he said. “It was important for us, because we’ve had a bit of a bumpy start but now we want a winning run and keep it going into next week.
“This is exactly what we were expecting of the derby – a bit feisty at times, but the boys did well not to rise to it. We stuck to our game plan, and we ran away with it a bit in the end. It was a good day at the office.”
Burgess, 31, has now scored eight tries in six Super League appearances at the start of 2026, after a superb campaign last year that earned him England honours – and his first cap in a decade.
“I’ve always enjoyed my rugby, but I’m enjoying it now because I’m putting more work in – and I’m getting more out of it,” Burgess said.
“That’s what I’ve learnt over the years, especially over the last two or three – I’ve worked hard. Before I came to Hull KR, I got complacent at times and that’s what stitched me up. I’m working hard and we’re enjoying it.”