Barrie McDermott, a former member of the Leeds Rhinos, thinks a victory over Hull Kingston Rovers on Saturday might mark the beginning of something truly spectacular at Craven Park.

McDermott was a tough front-row player for Leeds, a team that defeated Bradford Bulls in the 2004 Super League Grand Final to win the club’s first championship in thirty-two years.

Prior to the Robins’ quest to defeat the all-conquering Wigan Warriors and claim their first trophy since 1985 this coming Saturday, McDermott draws comparisons between the Leeds champions of two decades ago and Willie Peters’ class of 2024.

The Love Rugby League pundit from Sky Sports stated, “It’s obvious but winning that first title is the hardest part.”

“Once you’ve earned some hardware, you’ve gone on a journey and have developed the necessary mentality and muscle memory for winning a significant championship.After that, it’s just a matter of technique and refinement; rinse and repeat.

And for those legendary teams like the Bradford Bulls from the past, Leeds, St. Helens, and Wigan right now, it comes down to knowing what it takes to win on a major stage.

“Don’t be shocked if Hull KR wins this game and goes on to win more Grand Finals in the future.

They were in the third tier of rugby league when the Super League started in 1996, therefore I would be thrilled to see them honored for the most difficult of journeys.

“We won it in 2004 at Leeds Rhinos, and the team never looked back. The Golden Generation, a gifted group of young players, emerged, setting the stage for an incredible dynasty.

“Those young players had a fearlessness, and Mikey Lewis embodies that,” the player said.I am aware of his ups and downs, but his character and skill as a rugby league player are undeniable.

“I’m sure he’ll be looking forward to Saturday night’s big dance, where he can thrive rather than shrink and have the time of his life.”

The 78-year-old legendary former Robins player Brian Lockwood passed away this week, and McDermott thinks the Rovers camp at Old Trafford will be more emotional as a result.

Lockwood had a spectacular career while wearing the red and white, and the side he played for now hopes to become the fifth squad to win the Super League.

“If Willie Peters’ men could lift the Super League trophy on Saturday, it would be really special for Hull KR and Brian Lockwood’s family,” McDermott continued.It would be the ideal remembrance of Brian and the exceptional service he provided to the club.

No matter whatever team wins at the Theatre of Dreams, McDermott believes Rovers will be even better the following year.

The Leeds Hall of Famer remarked, “You look at the signings of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Michael McIlorum, and Tom Davies, and they’re all proven performers at the highest level.”

As a result, Hull KR may be even more formidable the next season given the caliber, experience, and winning attitude of these three players.For the upcoming several seasons, their signing might take an already successful squad to new heights.

According to McDermott, the Robins might expand Craven Park’s capacity if they win the Grand Final.

“Hull KR have an energetic and driven board, and winning the Super League could really help them advance their stadium plans,” he stated.

It would support their decision to fork over the money and argue that “this is an investment in the future,” as well as strengthen the belief that the team will be vying for the top spot for many years to come.

Read more at: https://sportupdates.co.uk