Hull KR are back in the big time. A first Super League grand final in their history. The chance to finally end a 39-year wait for a major trophy.

But as of yet they haven’t won a thing. Zilch. Zippo. Getting the precious victory at Old Trafford, not just making the grand final, is all that matters.

Peta Hiku knows that fact well, better than most, and is aware of the Robins’ long silverware drought that stretches back to 1985.

“Even just being around the club and the fans, I’m aware of it,” the centre tells Everything Rugby League.
“When you play other teams they have chants [about the trophy drought] and that, so you sort of hear it.

“I think that’s where a lot of the excitement comes from – it’s been a long time for the club. It’s been a great feeling to be part of.

“We obviously haven’t won anything yet so it will mean nothing if we don’t get that 80 minutes done at Old Trafford.

“But it’s been a journey and I’m just very excited to be a part of it.”

📍 | Old Trafford

🏟 | @SuperLeague veteran Kevin Brown gives us the player's view of the 'Theatre of Dreams'…#GrandFinal | #rugbyleague

— Betfred (@Betfred) October 11, 2024

Hiku’s own rugby league journey has taken him from Gisbourne in New Zealand to Manly, Penrith, Warrington, back to Auckland with the Warriors, on to the Cowboys and finally at Hull KR at the end of last year.

His 12-year professional career has had big ups and downs, in both the NRL and Super League, and seen him represent his country 16 times and the Maori All Stars.

But so far a grand final ring has eluded the 31-year-old. He gets the chance on Saturday during his second spell in England, after a brief but important 2017 stint with Warrington.

“I enjoyed it in England the first time. The first time I was coming back from injury, so it made me understand the reason why I do play the game and brought the love back into the game.

“It’s the same as this one. Willie’s just put the belief into me to play the way I do. I’m not saying all my other coaches didn’t, but he’s given me a bit more freedom to do what I can do.

“I supposed that’s what been shown throughout the year.”

 
Hiku has thrived under Willie Peters’ guidance. In 2024 the Kiwi’s electric form has seen him become one of the best centres in the competition. His performances, both in attack and defnece, have helped the Robins make it to the big dance.

“At the start Willie comes across tough,” Hiku says.

“He wants to toughen you up. Deep down and you get to know him, he’s a good bloke. He makes you work hard and gives you the reward later.

“I suppose that’s how footy is. You end up wanting to play for those kinds of coaches and that’s what we’ve been doing.

“He loves the game and he knows what to do for his players, how to put the belief back in the team. It’s been good, it’s been a very enjoyable year under him.”

Hiku unluckily missed out on an NRL grand final appearance with Manly in 2013, in his rookie season.

In that decider the Sea Eagles were pipped by the Roosters.

'They need to go out there and be themselves. Nothing changes in term of how we want to play our game.'

Watch Peters' pre-match press here 👉https://t.co/Jzs2yanZfr#UpTheRobins 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/HVee8mca5I

— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) October 10, 2024

Eleven years later the chance has presented itself again, and the outside back is relishing the moment, eager to not let the opportunity slip away. Hiku knows it may not come around again.

“My first year, I didn’t play. That was a [still] good experience but this is my first GF.

“Obviously I’ve been all over Australia playing, I’ve been to Warrington, so playing the game I love in different places has been very enjoyable.

“Once you get to the GF it’s overwhelming, but the nerves kick in and it’s something different. You can overthink things.

“I wish my family [in New Zealand] were here. They watch on TV when they can. I’ve got my partner and my two boys here and they’ve been enjoying it this year, that makes me enjoy it a bit more too.

“I’m excited.”