Hull KR

‘Let’s be real’ – Hull KR boss Willie Peters backs Sam Burgess with prediction after Challenge Cup final

by
Will Jackson
June 8, 2025

Hull KR boss Willie Peters is backing Sam Burgess to bounce back from Saturday’s Challenge Cup final defeat. The Robins beat Warrington 8-6 at Wembley Stadium to claim an historic win and a first trophy in 40 years.

However, by Peters’ own admission, they did it while being second best for large periods in the north west London drizzle. Warrington led for much of the contest, with Josh Thewlis’ first half try being the difference until Tom Davies touched down in the 77th minute of the contest to level the scores. And, with the pressure on, Mikey Lewis kicked the decisive, game-winning points.

That moment spelled sheer delight for Peters but heartbreak for Burgess, who has every reason to be so proud of his side’s performance at the national stadium. Peters knows Burgess well from their time at South Sydney Rabbitohs together and he expects him to be able to shake off the Wembley loss and get Warrington moving in the right direction over the second half of the season.

“It’s hard,” Peters said when asked about Burgess. “We spoke briefly and the BBC asked me as well.

“The thing about Sam is he is a resilient man. He did it when he played and he’ll do it again as a coach, he’ll be back and he’ll get that team going again.

“Let’s be real, for a long period of time they were the better team. There’s a lot that they can take away but it’s going to hurt. There’s no doubt about that.”

Hull KR make the journey back to East Yorkshire today for an open top bus tour and parade. As such, supporters will be lining the streets of east Hull this afternoon before descending on the City Hall for a huge reception.

“I can’t wait, it’ll be a moment that we’ll never forget,” Peters added. “I can’t imagine how big it’s going to be but just to be able to share the trophy with them, it’s bigger than us.

“We’re a community club and we always want to make our communities proud. These boys do it whenever they play and we’ve got a reason to make them smile.”