Promises, manifesting and a Challenge Cup Final for Hull KR’s Oliver Gildart.
Hull KR’s Oliver Gildart scores a try against Warrington in the Challenge Cup semi-finals.
Hull KR’s Oliver Gildart is desperate to finally get his hands on the Challenge Cup trophy – after making a heartfelt promise to his parents that he would one day deliver them a Wembley win.
Gildart was forced to miss Rovers’ historic victory at the national stadium last year through injury, while his first attempt with Wigan back in 2017 ended in defeat against Hull FC. He was also ruled out of Leigh’s 2023 final against the Robins due to the timing of his arrival at the Leopards before his move to East Hull.
The 29-year-old classy centre set out his goal of a Wembley return at the start of the season, with family firmly driving him on. His father Ian was on the interchange bench in Wigan’s 1990 36-14 win over Warrington, in a team that also boasted Shaun Edwards, Joe Lydon, Denis Betts and Ellery Hanley.
“Willie Peters is quite big on that as well – writing things down. It’s not something I’ve been familiar with, but I have enjoyed writing those notes down and seeing where you’re at,” Gildart said.
“It’s a good way to check in with yourself and see where you’re going, and something you appreciate as you grow.
“A bit of manifestation – it’s pretty powerful. I’ve seen athletes from different sports talk about why they do it.
“It worked – even last year for the Grand Final, I wrote down about getting back fit and winning at Old Trafford and it came true, and you feel a certain way about it. It’s pretty cool to add that to my routine.
“I wrote it down, but I promised my mum and dad that I’d get a Wembley win – it’s the only one I haven’t got so far in my career, and obviously my dad got one.
“It’s the only game I’ve not played in and come away with a trophy, so I made a promise that I’d get a Wembley win for the family. This competition means a bit more for me personally, and I’d love to get it done.”
Gildart went on to play his part in a record-breaking treble for Hull KR last season, and will now face former team-mates and close friends on Saturday in his bid to lift every trophy.
“It all adds to the story and the journey,” Gildart said. “We’re here a year later, and we’ve got Wembley coming up.
“I’m going to take it all in, as much as I can, and enjoy being back out there. They don’t come around too often.
“It’s crazy how things work out. I represented Wigan in the Challenge Cup for a good few years, and then even to beat them in the Grand Final and then to play them against Wembley, it’s a weird feeling.
“But it’s also a good motivation – I know a lot of the players and the staff, and there’s a lot of respect there. I’m here to do a job, and hopefully to get one over them at Wembley.”