Grand Final: Glory Glory Dean Hadley

Dean Hadley is in dreamland, and his side Hull KR are just 80 minutes from glory at the Theatre of Dreams.

The Robins are about to feature in back-to-back Grand Finals and are just one win away from joining the ‘Big Four’ and getting a new name on the Super League trophy.

A win on Saturday would also see them secure a historic treble, which would be another first for the club in what has been a magical and magnificent year.

“It’s been a pretty special season so far,” Hadley said.

“To get the first trophy – the Challenge Cup and then go and get the League Leaders’ Shield – it’s been some season.

“But at the moment, it’s about focusing on Saturday and not looking back on what we’ve done. It’s about the opportunity we’ve got on Saturday to go and create some more history.

“That’s the focus and that’s what we’re looking forward to. Looking back can help, and I guess it makes you hungry to go and win more and create more memories.

“Wembley was unbelievable, and it was the best few days. As players we want to go and recreate that again and we've got an opportunity on Saturday.

“It’s all about the game ahead.”

How would Hadley describe Hull KR’s season in three words?

“Consistent. Exciting. And unfinished.

“Our group is so connected, and that’s really important. It’s so important that everyone buys in to what we’re about and is on the same page.

“We all want to go in the same direction.”

Hull KR’s highlight reel in 2025 is truly remarkable. Of course, the two trophies are the standout for Hadley, but so is being able to play on a weekly basis:

“One of the highlights is the Challenge Cup Final – that was unbelievable.

“Although the big picture for me personally is getting to play week in and week out. I’m starting every week, I’m playing 80 minutes, and I do feel like I’m an important part of this team.

“That’s why I came here in the first place. It’s what I wanted to do, and I’ve managed to do it.

“So now, it’s all about looking forward for me and trying to improve. I’m so hungry to do that and strive to get better.”

To reach the Grand Final, the Robins had to overcome St Helens in a hard-fought encounter – eventually winning 20-12.

But it always felt like the hosts had the control.

“We started the game really well," Hadley said.

"It felt like a Hull KR performance in the first half, but when you’re only 12-0 up against a quality team like St Helens – you only have to look at what they did to Leeds – and we knew we had to work our hardest.

“There were moments in the second half where we had to dig deep and we were probably on the backfoot a bit.

“But that was always going to happen, and I’m sure it’s going to happen this Saturday too.

“It’s about coming through them and coming out on top, and we managed to do that in last week’s semi-final. We have taken plenty from that game coming into this week.”

Hadley started in last year’s Grand Final, and admitted he was thrilled to be here for a second year running.

Deano also revealed to us that he's a Manchester United fan, which makes the occasion all the more special for him:

“When you do experience it a few times, I guess the surprise sort of element goes but it’s still very exciting.

“It isn’t any less exciting if you’ve done it before. Personally, I’m a Manchester United fan, so playing here is a dream really. It’s unbelievable.

“I come down regularly. I’m a member, so I try to get to a few games a year,” Hadley pointed to his seat in the Alex Ferguson Stand.

“I like to bring my son too – I’ve got him being a Man U fan too!

"There might not have been much glory here in football for a few years, but hopefully I can have some with Hull KR on Saturday!"

Will Hadley create history with his rugby league Red Army?

As he once again prepares to face Wigan Warriors on the big stage, Hadley is expecting an intense battle, and placed emphasis on a 'Hull KR' performance being required if they to overcome the current champions:

“It’s got the makings of being a great spectacle. It’s going to be close and there won’t be much in it.

“It's all about taking your moments in these big games. We’ve had some really good battles with Wigan over the past couple of years, where we’ve won a few times and so have they.

“I’m sure it’ll be a really good game. For us, it's about focusing on what we control, which is preparing for the game and trying to put in a Hull KR performance, and we believe that can give us a great chance of winning the game.”

Asked if anybody at Hull KR would have imagined how this year would pan out back in February, Hadley insisted that his team have always had the belief:

“We didn’t put a limit on what we could achieve. For us, we believed that we could be the best team and be consistent and win big games.

“We’ve been able to do it with the Challenge Cup at Wembley and by finishing top for the League Leaders’ Shield. We’ve shown that we’re capable of doing it and capable of beating any team.

“We’ve beaten every team in the competition at some point this year.

“Come Saturday though, it’s a totally different game and it’s a new day. It’s all about performing and it’s going to take a top performance to get the win.”

Can the Robins complete a clean sweep?

Tickets for the Betfred Super League Grand Final are on sale now, but hurry as tickets are selling fast!

Will you be joining us on Saturday 11 October? Tickets start at just £30 for adults, and £15 for juniors - secure your place today and join us for the biggest night in Rugby League!

The Betfred Super League Grand Final will also be shown live and exclusively on Sky Sports (K.O. 6pm).