King: Hull KR are the underdogs

BY JOHN DAVIDSON

Hull KR prop George King has described his side as the underdogs and Leigh as the favourites in this weekend’s Challenge Cup final.

Leigh have only lost seven of 20 Super League games this season and sit in third spot on the ladder. They head to Wembley after beating Leeds and have won five of their past six Super League matches.

Meanwhile, the Robins have lost 10 of their 21 Super League games in 2023 and are in sixth place on the table.

The front-rower believes his team might be the underdogs but are more than ready for the occasion.

“We’re definitely going in as underdogs, the way Leigh are playing at the minute,” King said.

“They’re playing terrific rugby. It’s going to be an absolutely huge challenge.

“I watched them against Leeds and I was hugely impressed. Some of the stuff they’re individuals are doing is crazy.

“We know the challenge ahead. We know if we stick to your game plan, do the right things and then we’ll do alright.”

“I’ve been twice before [with Warrington] and unfortunately lost twice, so hoping for third time lucky. I’m super stoked, it’s going to be a great occasion.

“Hopefully this weekend we can justify all the hard work we’ve done.”

The last time Hull KR played in the Challenge Cup final was in 2015 when they were completely battered by Leeds.

King says he and his teammates are keen to ensure history isn’t repeated at Wembley.

“It’s been a long-time since KR got there and the last time they got there they didn’t perform,” he said. 

“So definitely we first and foremost we want to put in a performance. Then hopefully the result will take care of itself.

“Neil Hudgell [club owner] spoke about it [the 2015 final] in the changing room and he had every right to do so.

“He obviously doesn’t want the same mistake twice. We owe it to him and the fans as well who put their hard-earned money in to put in a performance.

“You can’t just go there and submit.”

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