KR head to Wembley next week
Hull KR’s Peta Hiku.
Hull KR have made success in big games a habit but replicating that winning feeling will always provide the motivation as they prepare for their next shot at glory.
That’s the message from Peta Hiku, who has won everything there is to win in a Robins shirt, but he’s hungry for more success as KR bid to retain the Challenge Cup trophy they picked up for the first time in 45 years last year.
Rovers have cleared all the hurdles they needed to in reaching the final, blowing Warrington Wolves away in the semis before beating Leigh Leopards and a young Wigan Warriors side over the last two rounds of Super League action.
As such, the Robins’ next stop will be Wembley, where they face Wigan once more, and having done it all before 12 months ago, KR know what it takes to get over the line.
“We had a feel of it last year and it’s a feeling you want to chase, it’s the work you put in beforehand,” Hiku said on Thursday night after Rovers’ 62-4 win. “To get there is as tough as what it is and the game, especially against Wigan, they’re a tough side.
“You could see tonight, they brought out a young squad but you could see the DNA of the club and how they bring through their young players. We know they’re going to be a tough side to beat next week.”
He added: “Once you get that feel and win, you understand what it takes and obviously the difference between the start of the year and the Grand Final, there’s so much difference between what it takes to win a game.
“The big games are different and it’s what you put in before and turn up on game day with all the preparation.”
Hiku was in the last year of his contract with the east Hull side, but having penned a contract extension last month, the centre will be sticking around until the end of the 2027 season.
“I suppose being at this club and what we’ve been doing,” Hiku said on his new contract. “How they make me and my family feel, I think it’s a no brainer to stay here at the club.
“For me it was about seeing how everything goes with myself, not only on the field but off it. We’re excited to be a part of it and stay here another year.”