Current holders Hull KR could secure back-to-back Challenge Cup Final trophies on Saturday, but standing in their way are the competition specialists, Wigan Warriors.
The Robins lifted the trophy in dramatic fashion last year – scenes that Elliot Minchella will remember forever.
“The scenes were unbelievable – they took my breath away,” the Robins captain said.
“We had waited so long to do it. We’d love to be able to give that joy to everyone again, and we want to feel that feeling again – it was great.
“Wembley is a special place, and it will be for the rest of my life. There were loads of emotions – relief, satisfaction, and joy. But that was last year.
“We want to make some memories in 2026. We want our hands on the trophy again. People have come and gone so it’s a new year, and we want to win as a 2026 team.”
The Robins have been ruthless in their road to Wembley, and most recently beat Warrington Wolves to progress to their third final in four years.
“To get to the final, you have to beat some good teams along the way, which we did as Warrington are right up there.
“They took some stopping and it was a challenge, but we’re pleased we could book ourselves in another Challenge Cup Final.
“Defence wins you games. Wigan proved this against St Helens in their semi-final, and we wanted to emulate that.”
The Robins put the Warriors to the sword in last year’s Betfred Super League Grand Final, achieving every trophy on offer, and Minchella is relishing the opportunity to play them on the big stage once more:
“Wigan got star quality all over the field, there are a champion team. We’re really looking forward to going head-to-head with them.
“We’ve had some memorable clashes with them in recent years, where we’ve come out on top in a couple and so have they.
“We’re looking forward to going at it again at Wembley. It’ll be a great day and great occasion.”
A rivalry has certainly developed between the two sides in recent seasons, having met in the past two Grand Finals. And there's extra motivation for the treble-winners, who will be determined to hold on to the trophies they worked so hard to take from Wigan in the first place.
“It’s natural that a rivalry forms when you’re competing in big games for big prizes. It’s a healthy rivalry – we respect them.
“Wigan have been a benchmark in Super League and especially in the Challenge Cup. We keep meeting in big games – it’s a real privilege for us as our club.
“We [Hull KR] want to be in the big games and it just so happens we keep playing Wigan!
“It’ll be the first time playing them in a Challenge Cup Final!”
Can Hull KR become Challenge Cup winners for a second year running?
Tickets for 2026 Betfred Challenge Cup Final can be purchased here.
