Hull KR secured legendary status after one of the greatest World Club Challenge showdowns, withstanding the NRL comeback kings, Brisbane Broncos, to claim a 30-24 victory.
Willie Peters’ Super League champions surged into a commanding 30-4 lead just after the hour mark, and it seemed the contest was all but over. But having produced an epic comeback to win last year’s NRL Grand Final against Melbourne Storm, Brisbane refused to relent at the MKM Stadium. They scored three tries in five minutes to stun the crowd, responding to a blistering start from the Robins, who had raced into an 18-4 lead by half-time.
Through sheer determination and grit – and with time on their side – Hull KR regained composure, while Kotoni Staggs crossed in the 76th minute to set up a grandstand finish. But Rovers held on.
It was a night that will live long in the memory of those who attended and watched from afar. With emotions still running high, BBC and Sky Sports spoke to players just seconds after a historic victory.
Elliot Minchella
“We said at half-time they that they were going to have a say in that game. These are the champions of the NRL – they had a 25 minute period there where they were right on top.
“We found a way to win. The heart and desire was unbelievable. Last week hurt our pride and it wasn’t who we are.
“When I joined the club we were sat bottom of the league. What we do is represent our community with great backers from the board all the way down, and we find a way to win.”
Jez Litten
“It’s the best feeling ever – I can’t put it into words. The boys have turned up against a team like Brisbane, we knew we had a big job on our hands. We scrambled for each other and got the win.
“I’ve been off all week ill, and had been having nightmares about Reece Walsh running at me and it all came true tonight. Having to defend in the halves is a bit different to the middle, and when you’ve got someone like him coming out the back – credit to the boys on my outside and in the middle
“The support has been unreal. We wanted to do the English game proud. We obviously get a lot of stick from the Aussies, so it’s good to get one over them tonight.”
Mikey Lewis
“It’s unbelievable, where we were five years ago to now. Just look at us and where we are now.
“This was an opportunity we had to take. I let my team-mates down last week, I paid the price with a big fine. I let the whole club down and I need to get that out my game fast.
“I’d do anything for this club, I love this club.”
Dean Hadley
“It was awesome, I am so proud of the full team. This feeling is unbelievable. We wanted to chase the feeling we had last year and I thought we deserved it. They showed in the second half they have some unbelievable individuals and we had to dig in, but we came through it.”
Neil Hudgell
Longstanding owner Neil Hudgell also gave his initial reaction after watching his Hull KR side etch their names in rugby league folklore.
He said: “What an incredible night and an incredible journey. Tonight was like the last 10 years, a rollercoaster.
“Even at 20 points up you think there’s still a possibility for them as they have so much strike.
“Willie is a genius really. The way he and Paul Lakin operate together is a great combination. They generate everything and drive things.
“This is dream stuff, this is sort of immortality.”