Paul Cooke has told the Hull KR players that if they win at Wembley they’ll never have to buy a beer in Hull again, but lose and the city will not be a welcoming place upon their return. Such is the nature of the cross city rivalry between Rovers and Hull FC, something Cooke knows better than anyone, the former Robin and FC player says he’s not sure he’d return to Hull if he didn’t have a winner’s medal with him this weekend.
Rovers will run out at Wembley as the big favourites against last year’s beaten finalists Warrington Wolves, with many expecting the Robins to get their hands on the trophy for only the second time in the club’s history. It’s a second shot at glory for KR in three seasons, having lost the final in 2023 in agonising fashion with a golden point drop goal defeat.
Cooke, who is backing his former side to bring success to east Hull, believes the 2023 Wembley heartache and last year’s Grand Final loss will help the Rovers players in their quest to become club legends.
“Well, if they say you’ve got to lose some to win some, then Hull KR have lost a couple of big ones haven’t they over the last couple of years, the 2023 Challenge Cup final and also the Grand Final of 2024,” Cooke told Hull Live.
“I don’t think they’re in a bad position this year. I wouldn’t like to be any of them should they not win the game, though. I mean, I’m not sure I’d go back to Hull given what the banter would be like from the black and white side if they lose the game.
“I try and speak to people about what Hull’s about and the two sets of supporters and the way that its run in the city and the way that is. It’s very very unique but if they get over the line, then that city will be a great place for them and they probably won’t have to buy a beer for the rest of their lives.”
While Cooke is hoping and expecting to see Rovers celebrating come the final whistle, the 2005 Challenge Cup final winner knows all too well the final often goes the way of the underdog, as it did his Hull FC side that year.
Labelling it a travesty if Rovers don’t win, given the form and progress of the Robins in the last two years, Cooke is clear on what happens if Willie Peters’ side turn up and play to their potential.
“I’m not sure what the percentage would be that the underdogs have gone there and won, it wouldn’t be far off 50-50,” added Cooke.
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“I come from a place of experience, but statistically I think the underdog’s win a hell of a lot. I am very good friends with John Kear who orchestrated the upset of the century with Sheffield beating Wigan, so nothing’s a given at Wembley. A couple of decisions here and there, a sending off or a ball bounces the wrong way, the rules the way they are now and Hull KR are way behind the eight ball out there.
“If they don’t win it it’ll be a real travesty for them because they are in the best position to win the game. If they do everything right it will take a very, very special Warrington performance to beat them, that is for sure.”