Magic WKND: Hiku hungry for Elland Road return

Hull KR are high-flying in the 2024 Betfred Super League season, and Peta Hiku has been a huge part of that!

The versatile New Zealander is having a superb season with the Robins – a side who have a chance to finish in the top two for the first time in their history.

Hiku, who has proved to be a star signing for the East Yorkshire club, has been ever-present in 2024, racking up 13 tries and making over 3500 metres across 21 rounds.

All smiles from @hullkrofficial's Peta Hiku as he cemented the win with the last try of the game. ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/777uFee4Ks

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 22, 2024

With Hull KR sitting pretty at the top of the table ahead of this year’s hotly anticipated Magic Weekend, Hiku has been loving his second stint in Super League:

“It’s been enjoyable. The club has played a big part in helping my family and I settle in,” Hiku said.

“We’ve been enjoying it and winning helps with a big part of that too.

“It was a different back in 2017 when I came over later in the season and I was a lot younger back then. One thing I do remember though is the crowd and support. I remember playing Hull KR and their supporters were crazy.

“It’s been really good at Hull KR. Since I’ve been here, nobody has put themselves above anyone, below anyone, and everyone treats everyone the same.

“That’s a big part of the character within the club. No player is better than anyone. Everyone is welcoming, everyone gets along so well, and it’s the relationship both on and off the field that plays a big part on how we’re going.

“The boys have been building something special on the field, working hard for each other and not wanting to let anyone down – that’s made it awesome as well.

“For me personally, it’s about trying to stay consistent, with playing in the NRL and having to get used to Super League. 

“But I think we’re doing a good job.”

Hiku is set to make his first ever Magic Weekend appearance on Sunday but has already had a taste of what Elland Road has to offer.

Back in 2022, Rugby League fans will remember the scintillating showpiece between Australia and New Zealand in the latest Rugby League World Cup, where the Kangaroos clinched a dramatic victory.

Hiku featured for New Zealand in their semi-final showdown against Australia at the famous football stadium, and is excited to visit Elland Road once more:

“Wow, that game itself,” Hiku reminisced. “Coming up against Aus is always a big game for me personally – I remember growing up and always wanting to win against them, especially with them being number one.”

The crowd were at fever pitch when they thought Hiku had scored to win the game for the Kiwis, but it was heartbreakingly denied for a foot in touch.

Recalling the electrifying atmosphere that sounded around the ground, Hiku is looking forward to his inaugural Magic Weekend and seeing the Hull KR fans who will undoubtedly be out in their numbers:

“The stadium itself was a nice stadium to be playing inside, and the fans were incredible. I’m actually excited to see how it’ll be and what it will be like when the Hull KR pack it out.

“I’m really excited. The fans’ support is massive. When we’re at home, they’ve been there and we’ve performing well with them behind us. But when they do that away, it helps us even more. 

“We know it’s tough for people to always get to away game, but having their support away is something we look forward to and when we’re excited to hear that they’re travelling for us at Magic. We don’t want to let them down.

“It’s my first Magic Weekend - just hearing all the boys talk about it, it sounds great. There’s been clips of past players brought up and everyone’s been talking about what it’s all like. I can’t wait to be part of it.”

Hull KR’s Magic opponents this year are the Catalans Dragons – a side who have completed the double over Willie Peters’ men in 2024. 

The outcome of the game could be huge for where the league standings are concerned - for KR, top spot is theirs to lose to Wigan, while the Dragons currently find themselves in fifth place and level on points with both St Helens and Salford.

With Leigh and Leeds also breathing down the Dragons' necks, Hiku is well aware of the challenge that lies ahead on Sunday:

“It’s going to be a tough game no matter who you play,” Hiku insisted. “What I’ve learnt over here is whoever turns up best and wants it the most on that day, is the one who seems to get the result.

“Catalans will want to finish strong. We’re expecting a big game from them, and they’ve got a big forward pack, so it should be a good game.

“We know they are going to come out firing.”

On the possibility of silverware and rewriting the Super League history books, Hiku is hopeful of success, but knows his side must keep the utmost focus:

“I think for us and what’s been working for us is watching our next step ahead, and our next stop. We focus on what’s coming up next, get that job done, and then we move onto the next one.”

“In the back of your mind you always think about winning something, and for it to be the club’s first one.

“You don’t want to get too far ahead, but it would be something you remember being a part of all those little things.

“And it is one of those things we do want to be a part of and think about, but you don’t want to get too carried away and let it slip away.

“So we’ll just focus on the things we need to right now, and hopefully when the time comes around, we can get the result we want.”

Will you be there to watch Peta Hiku and Hull KR in action against Catalans Dragons?

Betfred Super League heads to Elland Road on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 August for this year's Magic WKND!

Be a part of it and purchase your tickets online now!

Information regarding kick-off times can be found here, with ALL six games across the weekend broadcasted LIVE on Sky Sports.