Hull KR captain Elliot Minchella is relishing a shot at immortality when the kings of rugby league bid to defend the Challenge Cup in the final against Wigan Warriors at Wembley.
A Historic Season for the Robins
The Robins won the prestigious prize for the first time in 45 years last season amid a golden year that resulted in them becoming the fifth team in English rugby league history to win a domestic treble. They then turned that into a quadruple by claiming the World Club Challenge in February. Despite a relatively slow start to the 2026 season, they have clawed their way back to Wembley.
Rovers beat Warrington Wolves 32-12 in Sunday's semi-final and will face the Warriors in a re-match of the 2025 Super League final, which they won 24-6. Minchella is aiming to become the first Hull KR captain to lift the Challenge Cup twice and insists the joy of snapping a 40-year trophy drought last season will never leave him.
Minchella's Emotional Journey
“I got a buzz walking up Wembley Way and seeing the stadium. That buzz of feeling grateful and privileged,” he said. “I don’t take these opportunities for granted and I know these days don’t last forever. I look on these days and years as the best days of our lives.”
“The Challenge Cup final win was a pivotal moment in my life. When I lifted that trophy there was so much relief and remembering the time it took to get to that point in my career. The adversity, the low of watching Leigh Leopards lift the trophy after beating us in 2023.”
Minchella, the former Bradford Bulls forward, understood the importance of the Challenge Cup from a young age. He watched Bradford win their first Challenge Cup titles in half-a-century in 2000 and 2003 and says the competition will always be special.
A Childhood Dream Realized
He added: “As a kid, I watched the Bulls win the treble in 2003 when I was eight years old and I pinch myself when I think about lifting that same trophy. When Robbie Paul lifted that trophy, I dreamt about experiencing that moment.”
“To share that moment with your teammates who have gone through hard work and preseason and people writing you off, that’s when you look at each other after winning something that can be never taken away.”
London Roots
With rugby league traditionally associated with the north of England, the idea of a trip down south for the Cup final at Wembley still remains strong and Minchella admits the capital played a key part in his career. He was on loan at London Broncos 11 years ago and insists the experience helped shape him as a player and an adult.
Minchella said: “I completely got out of my comfort zone and moved from Bradford - it was bonkers really. On your day off from training, I’d jump on the tube and get into central London on 20 minutes to wander around and explore.”
“That’s a very cool feeling when you tell someone that’s your job. I come back to London quite often and it’s great to see the Broncos have a renaissance recently. I loved playing for London Broncos and the club is still close to me. I was only young and inexperienced but I loved my time living in Finchley.”
The Betfred Challenge Cup Final will return to Wembley Stadium on Saturday 30 May 2026. Wembley Stadium remains a special occasion for Rugby League and always produces unforgettable moments – be there to experience the History, Drama and Glory!
