Hull KR’s Joe Burgess crosses for their second try during a dominant semi-final victory over Warrington.
Photograph: Richard Sellers/PA
As widely anticipated, the Challenge Cup final at Wembley in three weeks will feature an irresistible force facing an immovable object. Every era-defining athlete or team needs a rival—Ali vs. Frazier, Manchester United vs. Arsenal in early Premier League days, Prost vs. Senna. In years to come, this might be seen as rugby league’s equivalent: a modern clash of titans.
The last major final not involving Hull KR or Wigan dates back to 2022. These two have met in the past two Super League grand finals, each winning one. Both have completed trebles in the last two seasons—Wigan in 2024, Hull KR in 2025. Each has beaten NRL opposition and claimed world champion honors in that span. Later this month, for the first time ever, these champion teams will battle for arguably rugby league’s most prestigious prize.
The manner in which both secured their Challenge Cup final spots underscored their superiority over the rest of the domestic competition. On Saturday, Wigan were at their dazzling best, shutting out local rivals St Helens 32-0 with near-flawless defense. Hull KR’s coach admitted they saw that performance and aimed to match it. On Sunday afternoon in Doncaster, the reigning Challenge Cup holders were sensational, relying on a relentless defensive effort to stifle Warrington and set the stage for their attacking stars. They won 32-12.
Rovers are a juggernaut on days like these, mastering every facet of the game with and without the ball. With the brilliance of half-backs Mikey Lewis and Tyrone May causing havoc throughout, Hull KR look nearly unbeatable.
Mikey Lewis breaks a tackle during Hull KR’s win over Warrington.
Photograph: David Greaves/Focus Images Ltd/Shutterstock
There was no doubt that February’s World Club Challenge victory over Brisbane, combined with the early-season Las Vegas trip, took its toll on the Robins. But now they resemble the team that dismantled all opposition throughout 2025 to win all three available trophies. It would take a brave person to bet against them at Wembley.
Yet Wigan possess the trait that the rest of Super League craves in high-stakes games: when the pressure is highest, both Hull KR and Wigan produce their best. If each does that at Wembley, fans could witness one of the greatest Challenge Cup finals.
“There’s a lot of respect between both clubs, but at the end of the day we both want to win,” said Hull KR coach Willie Peters. “We spoke about Wigan’s performance before our game. Defence wins big games, and both big games were won on defence.”
Of course, the competition would thrive with new credible challengers. Leeds might be the next closest. Yet at a time when Super League is trying to sell itself globally through a new broadcast deal, this narrative truly matters: two monsters of the game, playing at Wembley.
Hull KR, the holders, advance to the Challenge Cup final.
Photograph: Richard Sellers/PA