Elliot Minchella on a city living and breathing Hull KR's success ahead of latest Wembley bid

The Robins are bidding to reach their third Wembley final in four years in their quest to retain the trophy they won for the first time since 1980 as part of last season's treble, which later became a quadruple.

Before this golden run, Rovers had reached the semi-finals of the cup only twice in the summer era.

It marks a dramatic shift for a club whose supporters were once far more familiar with hardship than high-stakes occasions of this magnitude.

Elliot Minchella has seen that change reflected in everyday life around the city.

"Everywhere we go, we have conversations with fans," said the KR captain.

"A lot of people thank us, tell us how happy they are and the joy we've given them. That's definitely not lost on us.

"We want to keep doing that. To do that, we've got to perform on the field.

"We recognise that what we do affects so many people on so many different levels, whether it be older people or younger people and how we can influence the next generation. It's massive what we do.

"I think it's not lost on the fans that it's not long ago that we were never competing in these games.

"The fans have been through some tough times and our responsibility is to keep bringing them joy.

"But you've got to be narrow-minded and focus on doing your job. All that stuff is a knock-on effect."

Willie Peters' men have mastered that approach in recent times, not only reaching big games but clearing the final hurdle and winning them.

Indeed, they have not lost a do-or-die match since the 2024 Grand Final.

That experience shapes the mindset of the group in weeks like this.

For Minchella, it is a case of striking the right balance in the build-up.

"These are the games that excite you," he said after a training session at the Eco-Power Stadium on Thursday.

"There's a buzz around the group, which is natural. It's an important week for the club but also the players. We recognise that this is a big week and that you've got to embrace it.

"The majority of us have played in finals – we had one at the start of the year – so we've got experience of these weeks and games.

"No matter how experienced you are, it's exciting. These are the games that you want to be a part of when you're a kid.

"You've got to remember the kid in you that dreamt about playing in these games. But you can't go too hard with that and get carried away."

While Rovers are accustomed to reaching semi-finals, this time they take to the stage with the trophy in their possession.

That achievement, however, carries little weight in Minchella's eyes.

"It's a new year and a new team with new individuals," he added.

"Last year is last year. We've left that in the past. The '26 group want to write our own chapter.

"Whilst we recognise that last year was unbelievable, it's last year. If you keep talking or thinking about it, you lose track of what you're about to do.

"We want to make history as a group for '26."

Rovers could hardly be in better form ahead of the Doncaster showdown with Warrington Wolves, the team they beat in last year's final.

But Sunday represents the acid test of their impressive six-match winning run.

"We're really happy with where we're at," said Minchella.

"We're defending pretty well as a group and have definitely taken steps in the right direction. We were disappointed to concede late on last week but on the whole we defended really well.

"We're slowly making progress and building nicely but this week is a whole different kettle of fish. We're under no illusions going into it.

"Warrington have been very impressive. They've probably been the standout team in the competition alongside Leeds.

"They're playing really connected, grafting really hard for one another and have the skill on the back of it. They're going to take some stopping."

KR's Challenge Cup story under Peters will end this month come what may.

Minchella is determined to ensure that the journey finishes at Wembley on May 30 and not this weekend.

"There are lots of reasons to be motivated for winning," he said.

"Willie's impact on the club has been monumental. Whatever I say could never do it justice.

"That's one of our motivations come Sunday – but we've got plenty of motivation anyway."