Hull KR set out on their journey to Wembley this morning
Willie Peters greets Hull KR fans as the Robins begin their journey from Craven Park to Wembley(Image: Hull KR)
Hull KR may have made a habit of reaching major finals recently but that hasn’t made occasions like this week any less special for fans or players alike.
Challenge Cup final week is one to savour and it has to be said, Rovers are doing it right once again as they opened their gates and welcomed approximately 1,500 fans into Craven Park on Thursday morning to give the squad a passionate send off as they boarded the coach to Paragon Station.
To the players, the send off was a reminder, if they needed it, of who they are playing for and the community they will be representing on Saturday.
And for the crowd in attendance, largely made up of children on their half-term break from school, this was the chance to meet their heroes, take pictures and secure the autographs they can cherish for ever more.
They had to be patient given the sheer amount of people behind the barriers in Craven Streat, but the Rovers squad made sure no one was left disappointed.
Indeed, if the Challenge Cup was decided on send offs alone, it would be Rovers’ for another year, with Willie Peters’ boys on the charm offensive as they made their way to the team bus, parked in the south east corner of the ground.
It was a very different scene to the one that followed at Wigan a couple of hours later, with fans simply watching on as their favourite players left the main building at Robin Park and boarded the bus.
This was Hull KR going above and beyond for those that go above and beyond to support them.
As such, after emerging from the tunnel at Craven Park, the full KR squad made their way slowly down the line of supporters.
Every hand was shaken, every selfie was taken and every shirt was signed.
Dean Hadley was a popular man, with fans peppering him with questions about his fitness, while Arthur Mourgue, who won’t be playing due to injury received plenty of attention, too.
Fans were pleasantly surprised to get a first glimpse of Tevita Pangai Jr with a KR crest on his chest. The prop won’t be involved on Saturday as he continues to build match fitness but he was engaging with fans and doing his part all the same.
Skipper Elliot Minchella, who is now an adopted son of east Hull, addressed the fans and thanked them for coming out as the DJ in attendance pressed the pause button, and as the crowd began to disperse, KR made their way to the coach.
Cup final week has the potential to swallow players up. The nerves of playing at Wembley and the pressure of the stakes attached can get the better of some.
Not this Hull KR team, though. The Robins oozed serenity as they took the first steps on their journey to the capital. They were relaxed as they took it all in at Craven Park and given what this group has achieved last year, it’s hard to see that mentality changing too much as the big occasion draws nearer.
Make no mistake, Rovers are ready for Wembley.