🏉 Super League Grand Final Pundit Predictions as Hull KR and Wigan Face Off

The 2025 Super League Grand Final sees Hull KR take on Wigan Warriors in a thrilling showdown at Old Trafford. Sky Sports pundits share their predictions and insights on who will lift the trophy this year.

Introduction: The Grand Final Stage Is Set

The wait is finally over. The 2025 Super League Grand Final has arrived — a showdown that promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. Hull KR and Wigan Warriors will battle it out under the floodlights of Old Trafford, both teams brimming with confidence, pride, and the hunger to etch their name into rugby league history.

This isn’t just another final — it’s a clash between two clubs built on grit, legacy, and contrasting rugby philosophies. Hull KR’s fearless attack meets Wigan’s tactical brilliance. The red and white army from East Hull has fought through adversity all season, while the Warriors, with their Grand Final pedigree, aim to prove once again why they remain the most consistent powerhouse in the modern era.

To get a deeper perspective, Sky Sports pundits have weighed in, sharing their expert opinions, predictions, and key match insights. Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s Super League Grand Final, from tactical previews to player battles and bold pundit predictions.

The Road to Old Trafford: How Hull KR and Wigan Got Here

Hull KR – The Heart and Hustle Story

If there’s one word to define Hull KR’s 2025 campaign, it’s resilience. Under the sharp leadership of Willie Peters, Rovers have reinvented themselves as a team that thrives on unity and attacking flair.

Their season began with a mixture of highs and learning moments, but by mid-season, Hull KR had found their rhythm — defeating top teams like St Helens and Catalans Dragons in back-to-back thrillers. The emergence of key players like Mikey Lewis and Shaun Kenny-Dowall gave them an edge in both creativity and leadership.

Their semi-final victory was the ultimate statement. Playing with passion and precision, Hull KR overcame all odds to secure their ticket to the Grand Final — their first in years. The energy from their fans, the “Red Army,” has turned every game into a cauldron of belief.

This isn’t just about reaching Old Trafford. For Hull KR, it’s about proving they belong among rugby league’s elite.

Wigan Warriors – Tradition Meets Tactical Excellence

When it comes to Grand Final experience, no one does it better than Wigan Warriors. With multiple titles under their belt, they enter this final as slight favorites — and for good reason.

Coach Matt Peet has built a team that blends ruthless defense with dynamic attack. The Warriors’ journey to Old Trafford has been one of dominance, efficiency, and experience. Players like Bevan French, Harry Smith, and Liam Farrell have been instrumental in delivering big-game performances.

Their semi-final performance was a masterclass in control — calculated, disciplined, and clinical. Every time they’ve been tested this season, Wigan have responded like champions.

For the Warriors, this Grand Final isn’t just about another trophy — it’s about reinforcing their legacy as the benchmark of British rugby league.

Key Battles to Watch

🔥 1. Mikey Lewis vs Harry Smith – The Young Guns

Both Lewis and Smith represent the new generation of British halfbacks — creative, fearless, and game-changing.

Lewis, with his unpredictable runs and attacking vision, has been the spark behind Hull KR’s offensive style. Smith, on the other hand, brings a composed and tactical edge to Wigan’s structure.

Whoever controls the tempo here could decide the rhythm of the entire game.

💪 2. Elliot Minchella vs Liam Farrell – The Leadership Clash

Two captains, two different approaches.

Minchella leads with fire and emotion, inspiring his teammates to fight for every inch. Farrell, a veteran of countless finals, leads by example through consistency and calm authority.

This midfield battle is about more than possession — it’s about mentality and momentum.

⚡ 3. Bevan French vs Ryan Hall – Experience vs Explosiveness

Bevan French is arguably the most electrifying player in the Super League right now. His speed, timing, and ability to exploit space make him a constant danger.

Ryan Hall, meanwhile, brings decades of experience and raw finishing instinct. His understanding of big-game pressure could prove vital in a match where small margins decide the outcome.

Tactical Breakdown

Hull KR’s Game Plan – Attack With Intent

Hull KR have built their game around fluid attacking structures and quick ball movement. Their focus will be on breaking Wigan’s defensive lines through unpredictable passing and support play.

Expect them to:

• Target the edges early with quick hands.
• Use Mikey Lewis’s kicking game to force Wigan deep.
• Keep defensive pressure high to force turnovers.

If they maintain composure and capitalize on second-phase play, they could catch Wigan off guard — just as they’ve done against top teams all season.

Wigan’s Game Plan – Control and Counter

Wigan, by contrast, are masters of structured rugby. They’ll aim to dictate the game through controlled sets and defensive discipline.

Key strategies include:

• Using Harry Smith’s kicking to pin Hull KR in their own half.
• Dominating the ruck to deny KR quick play-the-balls.
• Exploiting space through Bevan French’s speed on the counterattack.

If Wigan can impose their tempo early, they’ll likely force Hull KR into playing reactive rugby — which plays into Wigan’s hands.

What the Pundits Are Saying

Sky Sports assembled a panel of their top rugby league analysts to share their predictions and insights ahead of the showdown.

🗣️ Jon Wells – “Wigan’s experience will be key”

“Hull KR have been sensational this year — energetic, fearless, and full of belief. But Wigan know how to win these games. Their discipline, structure, and experience in Grand Finals give them a huge advantage. If they keep their composure, I can see them lifting the trophy again.”

Prediction: Wigan by 10 points.

🗣️ Jenna Brooks – “Don’t underestimate Hull KR’s momentum”

“Momentum can be a powerful thing in rugby league, and Hull KR have it in abundance. Their confidence is sky-high, and their attack has been fearless. If they get an early lead, the pressure could shift dramatically. I wouldn’t be surprised to see an upset.”

Prediction: Hull KR by 4 points.

🗣️ Terry O’Connor – “This will be decided by defense”

“Both teams can score tries, but defense wins finals. Wigan’s defensive line speed and organization are unmatched, but Hull KR have improved massively in that area too. Expect a low-scoring, physical contest decided by who holds their nerve late on.”

Prediction: Wigan Warriors by 6.

🗣️ Brian Carney – “Expect fireworks from the halfbacks”

“Lewis and Smith will dictate everything. Whichever halfback keeps his head and executes under pressure will lead his team to glory. These two young men are the future of British rugby league — and tonight, one becomes a champion.”

Prediction: Too close to call — could go to golden point.

What’s at Stake

For Wigan, a win solidifies their dynasty. It would be another jewel in a glittering crown of success and a reminder that their culture of excellence endures.

For Hull KR, this is about breaking barriers — a chance to turn years of hard work and near-misses into the club’s greatest triumph.

Either way, the outcome will shape Super League narratives for years to come.

Fan Reactions and Build-Up

The excitement across social media has been electric. Hull KR fans are planning massive send-offs, waving banners of “BELIEVE” and “THIS IS OUR YEAR.” Wigan supporters, confident but respectful, are already reminiscing about past glories — ready for another night of history at Old Trafford.

Rugby league forums, podcasts, and pundit panels have been buzzing all week. There’s a sense that this final isn’t just about two teams — it’s about celebrating the sport’s evolution, passion, and community.

Final Predictions Summary

Overall Consensus: Slight edge to Wigan Warriors, but Hull KR remain the unpredictable wildcard that could flip the script.

Closing Thoughts: The Beauty of Rugby League

As the lights shine on Old Trafford and the crowd roars, the Super League Grand Final once again proves why rugby league holds such a special place in British sport.

It’s a game of skill, strategy, and spirit — but above all, it’s a game of heart. Whether it’s Hull KR lifting the trophy for a fairy-tale ending or Wigan adding another chapter to their legendary history, fans are guaranteed one thing: a night of pure rugby magic.

No matter who wins, the 2025 final will go down as one of the most competitive, emotional, and skillful Grand Finals in Super League history.

🏆 Prediction (Final Verdict):

• Wigan Warriors 20 – 16 Hull KR
• MVP: Bevan French
• Moment of the Match: A late defensive stand sealing Wigan’s title glory.