Pundit identifies key Hull KR facet that Grand Final result hinges on

Hull KR’s Grand Final success is dependent on their emotional state this evening. That’s the belief of Sky Sports pundit Jon Wilkin who believes the Robins have the ability to make history against Wigan Warriors should they be able to handle the magnitude of the occasion.

Of course, Rovers are no strangers to the big stage, having played in last year’s Challenge Cup final, but tonight’s clash will be their first ever Super League Grand Final experience. Comparatively, Wigan have played in 12 previous Grand Finals with six wins coming at Old Trafford.

The Theatre of Dreams can be unforgiving for first timers, with Bradford Bulls being the last side to win on their debut at Old Trafford back in 2001. Since then Hull FC, Warrington Wolves, Castleford Tigers, Salford Red Devils and Catalans Dragons have all fallen short.

KR will be determined not to become the sixth name on that list, but do that Wilkin believes they must keep themselves in check and not become overawed by their surroundings.

“The game hinges on how emotionally aroused Hull KR are,” Wilkin told Sky Sports. “If they come into this overdone, overexcited and overemotional and Mikey Lewis in particular, if he comes into this atmosphere with too much emotion rippling through his system, I think it brings the worst out in him

“Mikey Lewis won Man of Steel because he managed to make peace with his emotions this year and he was less volatile emotionally. His personal performance hinges on how he can deal with this atmosphere, this stage and the pressure on him. I think he can deal with it and that’s why he’s been so consistent all year but it is the question mark, will this occasion that’s so new to Hull KR be too much for them?

“For Wigan it’s the 13th Grand Final, Bevan French, Jai Field, they’ll probably walk out in their slippers… They’ve been here before, they’re comfortable and they know exactly where they are. They’re going to go back to back if they win it. This is the thing for the game: Hull KR, will it be too much for them, will they be overawed by the occasion and for Wigan, will this just feel too comfortable, is it a big enough deal for them? They’re just used to winning big games and getting to big games and maybe that could be their downfall.

“I’ll say this about Hull KR, and I’m from the area, Hull KR use Roger Millward and these great names, they’ve got an opportunity to get past the 1980s and create history for themselves and I’m sure Willie Peters will want to do that.”