Danny McGuire hails Hull KR journey and points to what Castleford Tigers can learn

Super League legend Danny McGuire reckons Challenge Cup winners Hull KR have shown what rival clubs – including his own Castleford Tigers – could achieve, if they get things right on and off the field.

Rovers ended a 40-year trophy drought when they beat Warrington Wolves at Wembley last weekend. That was their second appearance in as many major finals, following their defeat to Wigan Warriors in the 2024 Super League decider and it came nine years after they were relegated to the second-tier Championship.

Since regaining their top-flight place at the end of 2017, Hull KR have grown their fanbase, improved the stadium and transformed their team into one of the European game’s leading lights.

McGuire, whose men visit Hull FC on Friday, spent the final two years of his playing career at Rovers and was on their backroom staff – including a spell as interim-coach – before joining Tigers. He admitted he was delighted to see them lift silverware and stressed the challenge for clubs like Castleford is to follow the same path.

Danny McGuire lauds Hull KR Challenge Cup win

“I was really pleased to see them win,” he said of his former club. “It has been building for a number of years, the way they’ve changed things around and created a whole-club environment – the fans and sponsors and everything they’ve been able to generate over there has really lifted over the last six or seven years.

“It wasn’t the greatest game, but sometimes you win those games and it’s in the record books now that KR have won it. It wasn’t the prettiest performance, but sometimes you have just got to find a way.”

McGuire insisted:  “I am really pleased for the club and for Neil [Hudgell, the owner], Paul [Lakin, chief executive] and obviously Willie [Peters, coach] as well. I thought it was a good [example] for everyone else to look at; with ambition and drive and commitment you can achieve these things, so it is definitely something for us to look at.”

🗣️Danny McGuire Speaks to the press ahead of Friday nights showdown with Hull F.C. Updates on Tex Hoy, Judah Rimbu and the injury progress of Fletcher Rooney.

📺 Now available to watch via our YouTube Channel https://t.co/ol6TQHtqPN

— Castleford Tigers (@CTRLFC) June 12, 2025