Why Hull KR can end 20-year Super League curse

Hull KR are in their very first Super League Grand Final this weekend, taking on Wigan Warriors at Old Trafford.

They last won a Premiership in 1985, before the Super League era.

The Robins could, therefore, win their first Super League title, but there hasn’t been a new winner of the trophy since 2004, when Leeds Rhinos won their first of eight.

In fact, there have only ever been four winners of Super League Grand Finals – St Helens, Leeds, Wigan Warriors and Bradford Bulls.

Since 2004, we’ve seen all of Hull FC, Warrington Wolves, Castleford Tigers, Salford Red Devils and Catalans Dragons looking for their first Super League crown, only to fall in the Grand Final to one of those sides.

Therefore Willie Peters’ side come into this game as major underdogs, up against six-time champions and current holders Wigan.

Why Hull KR could buck decades-long Super League trend

One thing worth noting is that the Robins were in a major final just last year.

Although they lost to Leigh Leopards, that was only in golden point extra-time, and the side – largely the same one now as then – will have learned some valuable lessons from that game.

In addition, they know how to win a big game, defeating Warrington Wolves in a gruelling semi-final just last week – in a game that may resembe what we see on Saturday.

Although they lost to Wigan Warriors towards the end of the regular season, they were on top for a large part of the game, and were felled largely due to sin-binnings.

They will have learned lessons from that game also, and we all know how good the side can be on their day.

One man that has grown since last year is Mikey Lewis, who will be vital at Old Trafford if they are to win.

Alongside him is the return of Elliot Minchella, who will surely elevate the side’s performance even further.

They might not do it, as the Warriors are next-level at their own best, but there’s no reason as to why Hull KR couldn’t be the newest Super League champions.