The IMGball age of British rugby league has been controversial but one of the unqualified successes has been the rise and rise of Hull Kingston Rovers.

First, a quick historical recap. The last time Hull KR won a top flight premiership was in 1985. The last time they won the Challenge Cup? 1980. It’s been a tough near 40 years for the Robins faithful by any measure.

Since that high point of the remarkable Roger Millward years there has been stadium dilapidation, relegation, a new ground built, promotion, and relegation again down eventually to the third division. Somehow Hull KR avoided a merger with Hull FC at the dawn of Super League in 1996, but the club would languish in the division below and go through administration before the successful Justin Morgan-era began, finally entering in Super League in 2007.

In their early Super League years the Robins have often dabbled with both semi-final spots and with the bottom of the table in alternate seasons. Consistency was non-existent. There was the high point of a trip to Wembley in 2015, and then the lowest of lows with dramatic Million Pound Game relegation in golden point in 2016.

But from that disaster good things slowly started to grow.

Tim Sheens came in and the Australian great started to revamp the club bit by bit. Sheens got Hull KR back into Super League but could not make them regularly competitive, and he eventually departed during the 2019 campaign.

Tony Smith replaced him in the hot seat and it was a tough 12 months ahead, as the club’s finances dried up and they were spared the trapdoor thanks to Covid-19. Another crucial appointment came that year in the hire of Paul Lakin, who returned as CEO.

Your support this season, both home and away, has been magnificent ❤️

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— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) October 3, 2024

However, in 2021 the turnaround continued. The Robins made the semi-finals again, finishing sixth, and important changes were being made behind the scenes. Over the past two years vital new investment was secured, lessening the strain on long-term owner Neil Hudgell, and new sponsors were signed.

Craven Park was revamped, the facilities for fans improved and the recruitment strategy shifted. A focus on improving their academy was introduced, and developing and attracting local and English talent, not just focusing on Antipodean mercenaries, has been key. The result? The likes of Mikey Lewis, Jez Litten, Elliot Minchella and Matty Storton.

Attendances have grown and while the 2022 season did not go to plan, with an eighth-place finish and the exit of Smith in July that year, the platform was being laid. The appointment of former Wigan and Widnes halfback Willie Peters has been a masterstroke to help drive the club forward again.

Last year saw the Robins finish fourth and make the semi-finals again. It was their best regular season finish since 2009. Leigh were lamped at home but Wigan proved too difficult away. A historic grand final place remained elusive.

But 2024 has seen that upward trajectory continue at pace. Instead of fourth, second spot was gleefully grabbed on the back on a fantastic winning run. It is their best finish since the 1980s glory days.

Now all that stands between them and Old Trafford is Warrington this Friday.

In the diminutive Peters Hull KR have a calm, respectable and honourable coach pushing them to new heights. He may only be 45, but the young mentor from Redfern is making waves in the rugby league coaching world. He appears destined for great things.

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Everything you need to know ahead of tomorrow night's Play-Off Semi-Final👇#UpTheRobins🔴⚪️

— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) October 3, 2024

In the front office Lakin is regarded as one of the British game’s shrewdest CEOs. With a background in football, he has made the club more professional, approachable and increased its bottom line. In chairman Paul Sewell and directors David Kilburn, Ian Richardson and James McNichol, the Robins now have a board of business heavy hitters to help it compete with the likes of Wigan and Leeds.

On the pitch they have local-boy-done good, and potential Man of Steel, Mikey Lewis leading the line. Lewis is one of the competition’s most exciting players and a bonafide match-winner.

Outside him there is an array of internationals and seasoned pros. Peta Hiku and Oliver Gildart have both played in the NRL and represented their countries. Ryan Hall has won everything before him in clubland and has a try-scoring record to match. In Matt Parcell and Jez Litten, they have a dynamic hooking one-two punch and in Minchella, Jesse Sue, Jai Whitebread, Dean Hadley and Kelepi Tanginoa they have the right combination of size, strength and work-rate that any pack demands.

Regardless of the result this Friday, the Robins are bobbing again. 2025 will see the arrival of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Rhys Martin, Tom Davies and Michael McIlorum, while Peters has signed a new deal.

The future is bright. The building blocks are in place. All they need now is some silverware to go with their awesome ascension.