Hull KR Seize Glory with Last-Minute Try in Thrilling Challenge Cup Final
It was the kind of rugby league final that will be talked about for years to come. The 2025 Betfred Challenge Cup Final between Hull Kingston Rovers and Warrington Wolves at Wembley had everything — drama, tension, and an unforgettable finish. And as the rain fell over London, Hull KR ended their 45-year wait to lift the coveted cup, edging out Warrington in a gritty 8-6 victory.
From the kickoff, it was clear both sides came prepared to scrap every inch of the way. Warrington were desperate to avoid a repeat of last year’s disappointment, and their early energy reflected that. They thought they had opened the scoring when Adam Holroyd touched down in the corner, but the video referee overturned it after spotting an infringement. The Wolves didn’t stay quiet for long, though — Josh Thewlis’ try, followed by a brilliant touchline conversion from Marc Sneyd, put them 6-2 up at halftime, with Hull KR only managing a penalty goal from Mikey Lewis.
The weather didn’t help the flow of the game. It was wet, cold, and windy — far from ideal conditions. But that only added to the tension. Every knock-on, every tackle, and every mistake was met with gasps and roars from the near-65,000 crowd, of which over 15,000 were passionate Hull KR fans.
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Warrington seemed to have it under control for most of the second half. They defended stoutly and denied Hull KR multiple attacking sets. But when the pressure finally cracked, it did so with stunning finality. With just under three minutes left, Tyrone May grubber-kicked through the line, and Tom Davies launched himself forward, grounding the ball under pressure. The try stood. It was suddenly 6-6.
All eyes turned to Mikey Lewis — the reigning Man of Steel. The stakes couldn’t have been higher. But Lewis, calm as ever, stepped up and nailed the conversion. 8-6. Cue bedlam in the red half of Wembley.
That moment will live forever in Hull KR history. For a team that had come so close in recent years — losing in the 2023 final and being edged out in the 2024 Super League Grand Final — this was vindication. Under coach Willie Peters, the Robins have transformed into title contenders, and this win may be the first of more to come.
Warrington, meanwhile, will feel gutted. Their wait for a 10th Challenge Cup win continues, but they can take pride in a performance full of fight. Having their star George Williams back was a big boost, and they showed resilience all afternoon. But in the end, it was just not enough.
The decision over Davies’ try stirred debate, but the rules were clear: only an attacking player can ground with their chest, and defensive grounding with the torso doesn’t count. The right call was made, and with that, Hull KR’s name is etched onto the trophy once again.
Rain couldn’t ruin it. Nerves couldn’t stop it. Hull KR are Challenge Cup champions, and the red and white faithful danced all the way out of Wembley.
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