How Hull KR Became Treble and World Champions

Hull Kingston Rovers, the once-underdog club, have accomplished an incredible feat by winning the domestic treble and claiming the coveted World Club Challenge title. In an exclusive interview, the team's chief executive, Paul Lakin, reveals the driving forces behind their rapid ascent to the top of the sport.

Lakin explains that the decision to take the team to Las Vegas for a match against Leeds Rhinos was not an easy one, but the potential marketing and audience exposure was too significant to pass up. "Part of our strategy is to constantly raise our profile," he says, "and when you looked at the results from a marketing and audience perspective for Wigan v Warrington in Vegas last year, the eyeballs on that were incredible."

Despite the financial challenges and the grueling schedule, Lakin and the Hull KR organization felt that the opportunity to showcase their team on the global stage was too valuable to miss. "A year ago we said: 'What if we won the Grand Final? It'll be the World Club Challenge and straight into Vegas.' We just decided to worry about it when it happens. And now it's happened!"

The club's journey to the top has been anything but straightforward, but Lakin attributes their success to the team's unique identity and approach. "We are quirky and imaginative," he says, "and that has helped us stand out in a crowded market." The team's ability to adapt and innovate has been a key factor in their rise, as they have continuously sought new ways to engage their fans and attract new supporters.

Looking ahead, Lakin is confident that Hull KR can maintain their position at the top of the sport, but acknowledges that it will require a sustained effort. "To stay there, we need to keep evolving, keep innovating, and keep surprising people," he says. "We've shown that we have the talent and the determination to reach the summit, and now the challenge is to stay there."

As Hull KR prepares to take on Leeds Rhinos in the high-profile Vegas showdown, the team and their fans are filled with a sense of pride and excitement. Lakin's words capture the spirit of a club that has defied the odds and proven that with hard work, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, anything is possible.