Challenge Cup: Hull KR and Wigan Warriors set for semi-final rematch

Hull KR’s Challenge Cup semi-final win over Wigan Warriors at Headingley in 2023 was the kind of game that had it all.

Loud tries, a golden point goal winner, a controversial dismissal. Enough to leave laptop keyboards smoking in the press box and commentators left without pay for the drama.

Not that Robins’ dynamo Mikey Lewis can remember.

As he prepares to guide Rovers into a repeat of Saturday’s tie, at the same stage this time at Doncaster, live on BBC One from 1.15pm BST, much of the match remains unclear. Not so much the holidays though.

“I remember Brad Schneider setting up for the drop goal and as soon as he left his boots I thought ‘that’s it,'” Lewis told BBC Sport.

“The fans started applying and my first thought was ‘I’m going to jump on it.’ They all came, there were fans on the pitch – it was just chaos.

“I don’t remember much from the game because it was such an intense game, but I remember being in the shed afterwards and celebrating with that group of lads. Going to Wembley was an unreal feeling.”

While the final was to end in disappointment, coincidentally a drop-goal winner from Leigh’s Lachlan Lam, reaching a final showed the East Hull club were on an upward curve.

Lewis is fully aware of the threat posed by Wigan and that to relish such excitement again he will need Hull KR to be at their best.

Wigan exacted revenge on Rovers for their exit from the cup when the two sides met at the DW Stadium in October 2023, booking their place in the grand final.

Matt Peet’s side went on to lift the trophy at Old Trafford and then added the World Club Challenge crown earlier this season.

However, that cup loss remains a rare moment under Peet where Wigan – who were the holders in that game – failed to get the spoils in a major event.

Warriors captain and influential back-rower Liam Farrell has seen first-hand how the Robins, coached by former Wigan defender Willie Peters, have matured into a genuine Super League force.

“They are a club that are trying to move up quickly,” Farrell told BBC Radio Manchester.

“They’ve made some great signings and their performances have matched that and they’re a club that performed really well last year and they’ve taken it to another level, outstanding talent, with Mikey Lewis leading the way.

“But just within our memory we had a tough game against them a few weeks ago, so it’s fresh at the moment. We learned a lot from that game and (we have to make sure we fix it). .”

The likeable Peet has enjoyed a Midas touch since taking over in 2022, leading Wigan to victory over Huddersfield when the Challenge Cup final was played at Tottenham Hotspur’s stadium.

Every possible domestic rugby league team honor has followed since then, but it’s a pressure the English Literature graduate relishes.

“We understand there is an expectation, but when you sign with certain clubs you have to accept that,” Peet said.

“We see it as a real positive that there is that expectation and it filters into everything you do on a daily basis.”

For Hull KR, Saturday’s semi-final is a continuation of the 2024 Challenge Cup reunion tournament, having already knocked out Salford and their 2023 conquerors Leigh.

One-point hero Schneider is gone and now in the NRL at Penrith, while last year’s inspirational captain Shaun Kenny-Dowall will have to prod from the sidelines as coach.

The arrival of talents like Joe Burgess, Tyrone May and Kelepi Tanginoa have added depth to the 2024 class, and a semi-final provides an opportunity to show just what impact they have had.

Just as well given the roll call from Wigan – Jai Field, Bevan French, Jake Wardle and Harry Smith to name four.

Lewis is the type of character who thrives on this stage and going up against other elite talent.

“They have to, they are world-class players,” he added. “We as a complete team, it’s not just me, we have to step up and be on our A game.

“We have to take our performances to the next level to beat these types of teams.

“That’s what we’ve been looking at this week, we’ve got to be ready to go, it’s about attitude now, it’s all about performance and execution now.”

Hull KR and Wigan have already delivered an all-ages semi-final. Few would bet against her adding another to her annals.