Wigan Warriors v Hull KR: Peta Hiku provides insight into winning mentality ahead of Challenge Cup defence

Today's Challenge Cup final may offer the clearest indication yet of how far they have come.

For so long the Robins were outsiders on the biggest stages. Now Willie Peters' side head to Wembley as favourites against a club synonymous with Challenge Cup glory.

It is a shift built on silverware, consistency and a growing belief within the squad that they are made for the big occasion.

That mentality is so deeply embedded that Peta Hiku insists KR's biggest obstacle this weekend is not Wigan Warriors.

"You don't want to go in overconfident or arrogant," said Hiku, a central figure in the club's recent quadruple success.

"But without sounding cocky, you do go in thinking that it's on us to lose the game. We feel our toughest opponent is ourselves.

"We just need to minimise errors and penalties. People say they're little things but they become big moments.

"That's in our control. If we can control that kind of stuff, we know we're good enough to beat anyone."

That belief was palpable in KR's semi-final victory over Warrington Wolves earlier this month.

Rovers played at an intensity their opponents simply could not match.

It was reminiscent of their approach to the World Club Challenge in February and last year's Grand Final when they suffocated Wigan on the biggest stage of all.

Ultimately, each player feels a responsibility to deliver their role under pressure – a reflection of the standards instilled by Peters.

"When you play with intent, you've got to have a lot of control around your discipline," said Hiku.

"It does take a lot of energy out of middles. For example, I'm on an edge and might only make one of the six tackles in a set – it could be the first or it could be the last. The middles are doing every tackle so if I get mine wrong, they'll be the ones who get punished.

"We've got that kind of accountability where we look after our team-mates. You know they're going to turn up and your job is not to let them down.

"As a team, we know what to do in these games. Individually, you need to be ready to do your part. You need to nail all the little things and put it together as a team."

Those selfless qualities were evident in last year's Wembley triumph over Warrington – a win that signalled a psychological shift.

Rovers return with a different look but their belief has never been stronger.

"It was a bit different last year," said Hiku. "Everyone was chasing the winning feeling for the first time and wanting to be a part of that.

"Having Micky McIlorum and Jared (Waerea-Hargreaves) who had been there and done it, they brought up the intensity. They showed everyone at the club what it takes to win big games."

Those grizzled veterans bowed out after helping guide the Robins to Old Trafford glory, leaving behind a blueprint for success.

Last week's Grand Final rematch proved something of a non-event following Matt Peet's decision to field a youthful side, creating a sense of frustration that was felt by Hiku.

"It would have been good to see back-to-back games against a strong side," he said. "We both went to the Grand Final and had the chance to play back-to-back.

"You can see the coaches' mindsets. We wanted the two points a bit more and they were looking forward to this one. It is quite tricky.

"But they're always a good side. Even with their reserves and 10 debutants, they still came out and performed very well, which says it all about their system."

Wigan return to full strength at Wembley with the pain of Old Trafford still lingering and a point to prove on the biggest stage.

It is the sort of challenge Hiku had in mind when he joined Rovers in late 2023.

"When Willie gave me the call about coming over and being a part of it, it made me pay a bit more attention to KR," he said. "They performed really well in every game I watched.

"It made me a bit more nervous because I didn't want to come here and let them down. They were striving to be successful and that's what made me want to come here.

"It's my third year now and the club have been making finals and getting to where they want to be.

"Before that there were relegation battles. They've been through some tough times.

"Now we're sending loan players to good clubs like St Helens. It just shows the work the board have done behind the scenes."

At the heart of that change has been Peters, who is preparing to move on at the end of the year.

There is a clear desire within the group to send their head coach out as a Challenge Cup winner.

"He's done his job and is ready to clock out," laughed Hiku.

"One thing we've spoken about is making memories. Obviously this could be the last chance for some of us to make memories with him. For myself coming to the back end of my career, it could well be my last time to make memories with Willie.

"You want to make the most of it. I've enjoyed my time under him. He's done a lot for me and the least I can do is pay him back."