Paul Cooke’s simple advice to Hull KR with ‘best opportunity’ claim made

Old boy Paul Cooke has some simple advice for Hull KR ahead of Saturday’s Challenge Cup final against Warrington Wolves – if you lose, stay away!

Cooke is a lifelong Hull KR supporter and played for them in 2007-2010 following a controversial move from Hull FC.

Nobody better understands the city’s rugby league culture and what a first major trophy since 1985 would mean to the Robins, but he also knows the implications of another defeat in a major final.

Hull KR were pipped by Leigh Leopards after golden-point extra-time at Wembley in 2023 and came up short against Wigan Warriors in last year’s Super League showpiece, but are hot favourites to end their long trophy drought this time.

Cooke told Serious About Rugby League: “If they don’t win, I am not sure I’d go back to Hull – the Black and White side won’t let them forget it.”

The Featherstone Rovers coach stressed: “This is their best opportunity, they have got a great coach and a great team.

“There’s always a side show, which is George Williams this year, but I am pretty sure they can win this game and if they don’t, it will be a really hard one for them to take. But they are in a great position.”

Hull KR warned about ‘tough tag’ they’ll earn with defeat against Warrington

Rovers will go into Saturday two points clear at the top of Super League and seven places ahead of Warrington, who they crushed 31-12 two weeks ago.

Though England captain Williams’ expected return from injury is a boost for the Wolves, Cooke insisted: “If Warrington play as good as they can and Rovers play as good as they can, I think Hull KR have got the edge in terms of quality players.”

But Cooke was part of a huge upset 20 years ago when his last-gasp try helped Hull to a famous Cup final win against Leeds Rhinos at Cardiff and he warned: “Challenge Cup finals are often not won by the best teams or the favourites.

“It is going to be a really interesting game, but if Hull KR don’t win, it will be a real big chance missed and they’ll then become the habitual team who can’t get over the line.

“They’ve had a Cup final loss two years ago and a Grand Final last year, so to add another Challenge Cup to that would be a tough tag to shake off.”

Legendary Challenge Cup coach set to help Featherstone Rovers to success

Cooke will be at Wembley on Saturday, but not to watch Hull KR. His Featherstone side take on York Knights in the 1895 Cup final, being played after the Challenge Cup decider – and he is ready to utilise a secret weapon.

John Kear coached Hull to their Cup triumph in 2005 and masterminded Sheffield Eagles’ defeat of Wigan Warriors seven years earlier.

Kear is now retired as a head-coach, but Cooke revealed: “He could well be used in the build up to our game this week.

“I think I am going to ask him to come down. I think it’s important we try and make sure this week isn’t just a normal week for the players.

“It’s now about letting the players know the importance of the game and the pressure that’s on them. If you fold under it, that’s your call.

“You have got to go out and embrace it. The best players perform in the biggest games and we hope our players will do that.”