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Hull KR owner Neil Hudgell responds to Grand Final agony with resolute message

Hull KR Wigan Warriors

Hull KR owner Neil Hudgell is the confident the Robins can use their Grand Final agony as a ‘building block’ to success next season. Willie Peters’ side fell short on the biggest stage as they lost 9-2 to Wigan Warriors at Old Trafford.

Bevan French scored the only try of the night and that proved to be the difference as Rovers struggled to find a breakthrough at the other end. Mikey Lewis kicked two points for KR in the second half, but it couldn’t inspire a comeback as Wigan saw out the result.

It was agonising for KR’s travelling fanbase, who made themselves heard throughout the contest, and players were visibly emotional on the pitch afterwards following the club’s first taste of a Grand Final.

Hudgell, though, is convinced that their Old Trafford appearance is just the start for the Robins.

“We were second, tiny margins,” Hudgell told BBC Radio Humberside in the aftermath of the contest. “But, for me, it’s about continuing to build the club.

“We are on a journey. We were better this year than last year. But essentially just fell a bit short at the end. Obviously I’m greatly disappointed but can take heart from the journey of the last 12 months.

“It’s always difficult; we came thinking we were going to be successful and we lost on the back of some big plays, a wonderful try and a couple of bombed chances. Sport’s about taking your chances. There were missed opportunities. We weren’t blown away, we were very close, and that makes it quite difficult to take.

“People really enjoy the fact we have been in a Grand Final but you’ve got to win. It’s about Hull KR not just being here but to be successful. Personally, it doesn’t mean anything really, other than a building block.

“I feel we are in a good spot, I feel we will be stronger next year. I think we’ve got every right to be optimistic that we will end that trophy drought. This night is a little bit about reflection on what might have been, go away and be a bit down with ourselves, have a bit of time off, and then work back up again.

“Willie Peters has done an incredible job, a fantastic job and we wouldn’t be here without him, Paul Lakin, other people. We are ready to keep going.”

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. john weldrick

    October 13, 2024 at 1:53 pm

    Well if a club has had the entire super league era to get it right and still can’t, I’m afraid I won’t hold my breath , no way Saints , Catalan, leeds or even Hull are going to fail so completely again , the competition will be stronger next year, KR might challenge for a top 6 place , but I can’t see them doing any better than that

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