Influential skipper Elliot Minchella believes Hull KR’s historic 8-6 Challenge Cup triumph over Warrington Wolves in the capital could spark the beginning of something even more special.
The loose forward also revealed that the pain of 2023’s defeat at Wembley fuelled his determination to make amends this time, as Rovers ended 40 years of hurt to lift the prestigious trophy for just the second time in the club’s history.
Rovers showed grit and determination to snatch victory in the dying moments, overturning the deficit to clinch the win in the capital. Minchella then led the team up Wembley’s iconic steps to finally lay to rest their trophy hoodoo, having lost in both the 2015 and 2023 finals under the famous arch.
“It’s unbelievable,” he said. “I remember two years ago walking up those steps, and how bad that feeling felt for a long time. It drove me to never feel it again.
“I’m so proud to do it with a bunch of people that are genuine best mates and we work so hard together. The whole club, the people above me, board, owners, fans, we’re all in it together. It’s an unbelievable feeling.”
Reigning Man of Steel Mikey Lewis held his nerve to slot the match-winning conversion, after Tom Davies scored the decisive try three minutes from full-time.
The belief is now building that this breakthrough moment could signal the start of a new chapter for the East Hull outfit.
Willie Peters’ side currently top the Super League table with just one defeat all season and have their destiny firmly in their own hands.
Asked if this is just the start of a new period of winning trophies, Minchella, 29, said: “I guess so. We just want to enjoy the win but we are definitely going to take a lot of belief out of that.
“A lot of belief that we didn’t play anywhere near our best but have come away as winners. We found a way to win which is what the best sides mentioned tend to do.”
Hull KR Cup final winners special
Hull KR are the 2025 Challenge Cup winners. The Robins put everyone through it but came away from Wembley victorious with a win that will be burned into the memory forever.
To celebrate the triumph, we’ve got a 40-page souvenir special packed full of the best photos from the day, fan galleries from outside Wembley, match analysis, reaction from within the camp and the best photos from the trophy parade.
Pre-order your copy now for just £3.50 and have it delivered to your door. Online postage and packaging costs apply. Available in participating retailers in the Hull area from Friday June 13, 2025.