A quick glance at the Super League table and the recent form of the Challenge Cup finalists suggests the Wembley showdown between Hull KR and Warrington Wolves is a one-sided affair. Hull KR have lost only once all year and look like the dominant side, while Warrington sit eighth and have been strikingly inconsistent under Sam Burgess. Yet, a couple of factors could balance the scales and make this final far more intriguing than the form book indicates.
First, history weighs heavily on Hull KR’s shoulders. The club hasn’t won a major trophy since 1985 and carries the scars of numerous final defeats, including two in the last two seasons. This long drought and repeated heartbreaks raise questions about whether the mental burden of winning such a crucial match will affect the Rovers when they take the field at Wembley.
On the other side, Warrington have a weapon in Marc Sneyd, a player who not only thrives in finals but seems to elevate his game on the biggest stage. Sneyd started the season at Salford but moved to Warrington in March amid Salford’s financial difficulties a move that has proved masterful. His standout performance came in the semi-final against Leigh, just 13 days after suffering a fractured eye socket. Sneyd is among the elite few who have won the Lance Todd Trophy twice for man of the match in the final, achieving back-to-back wins in 2016 and 2017. Interestingly, both victories came playing for Hull FC, fierce rivals of Hull KR, whom he now faces in this final.
Sam Burgess, Warrington’s coach, praises Sneyd’s composure and ability to perform under pressure. He says Sneyd is unfazed by big moments and thrives when the stakes are highest. Already a legend on the west side of Hull, Sneyd has the chance to add to his legacy by leading Warrington to their first trophy since 2019.
Sneyd’s half-back partner, George Williams, echoes this sentiment, describing him as brilliant to play alongside. Williams, who himself has suffered two final losses and is still chasing his first major trophy, believes Sneyd’s big-game pedigree could be the difference on Saturday.
For Warrington, the Challenge Cup final might represent their best shot at silverware this season, with their Super League title hopes fading fast. This focus is reflected in the decision to field Williams despite him undergoing ankle surgery less than eight weeks ago. Williams insists he is fully fit, but the gamble is significant. Historically, players returning too soon for finals, like Gavin Miller in 1986 and Keith Senior in 2005, have sometimes seen that risk backfire.
Burgess acknowledges the gamble but stresses that Warrington have worked hard to get Williams ready, highlighting that if it wasn’t urgent, he might have been rested. The England captain’s presence will be crucial if Warrington are to have any chance against the in-form Hull KR side.
Burgess himself, who has committed to Warrington until the end of next year after turning down a coaching role in Australia, is closing in on his first trophy as a coach. This final represents an opportunity for both him and the club to break a cycle of disappointment after last year’s cup final loss and falling short in the Super League playoffs.
Williams admits Warrington enter this final as bigger underdogs than last year, despite their earlier struggles. Yet, the team is embracing their outsider status. He reflects on the challenges faced this season but remains positive about the journey and his commitment to the club through 2026.
For Burgess, a win on Saturday could significantly boost his coaching reputation on both sides of the world. Warrington’s quest for glory might seem unlikely, but with the experience of Marc Sneyd and the determination of the team, they are ready to defy the odds and try to spoil Hull KR’s bid to end their long wait for a trophy.
