It was a moment 40 years in the making, and Hull KR made sure it was worth the wait. Thousands of supporters lined the streets and congregated for the team’s homecoming after securing the Challenge Cup final on Saturday.
A sea of red and white embarked on Queen Victoria Square to celebrate in style as the fans and the players had their moment together. But in and amongst it all, there might have been some things you didn’t see. We were on hand to let you know.
Chairman turned conductor
A large number of Hull KR fans had decided to get the party started at Sewell Group Craven Park to cheer the players off on their way. Getting the party started was chairman Paul Sewell, who couldn’t resist the opportunity to start a chant before the bus had even set off.
As the players started to take their seats, Sewell bellowed out ‘Red Army’, to which the fans in attendance responded by singing it straight back at him.
It was a moment he certainly enjoyed, so much so that he repeated it at the start of a speech he delivered in Hull City Hall!
A run-in with a tree
Thankfully, the Challenge Cup trophy came through the celebrations in one piece, as far as we know anyway!
However, there was one nervy moment right at the start of the trophy parade which involved Jai Whitbread and a tree! As the bus departed the car park, a few people on the top deck had to duck some low-hanging branches, but the trophy itself wasn’t so lucky!
A twig somehow ended up attaching to the trophy. It’s fair to say it’s a more attractive trophy without a few leaves planted on top. No lasting damage done though, thankfully!
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.
Not one for the spotlight
It was a special moment for all the players as they were able to take in the adulation of the Hull KR supporters outside City Hall. After Elliot Minchella came out with the trophy, it was passed around the players so that they could all have their moment to lift the trophy.
However, Micky McIlorum passed up on the opportunity, instead moving it on to the next player in line.
That was a very Micky McIlorum thing to do. He’s never been one that’s wanted the spotlight and always wanted his actions on the field to do the talking. There’s no ego with the hooker and he doesn’t seek praise either. Yet he’s had a career that will be the envy of many.
Holding back the tears
We all know that Mikey Lewis wears his heart on his sleeve and that has been clear throughout the weekend. The halfback was visibly emotional on a couple of occasions throughout the celebrations and that was clear as he gave an interview on the balcony overlooking a fanbase that idolises him.
Speaking about his motivations, it all got a bit too much for the reigning Man of Steel, who is clearly ecstatic after helping deliver one of the best days in the club’s history.
But they were certainly happy tears!
The unsung hero gets his flowers
Staying on Lewis, he briefly left the balcony during the reception and went inside to find Bonesy, a cult hero after his long years of service to the club.
Bonesy, real name Alan Fellows, is another who doesn’t want the limelight and has shown a reluctance to do any interviews this weekend as he doesn’t want to take the shine off the players.
But Lewis was having none of that as he insisted that Bonesy went out and had his moment. That he did. Lewis ushered him outside, took him to the front and made sure he had his moment when the fans could show their appreciation. It was a considerate act from the 23-year-old.