Jon Wells is predicting contrasting fortunes once again for the two Hull clubs in 2025 – tipping Hull KR to win the Super League Grand Final and Hull FC not to make the top six.

The Robins finished second in the Super League table and were runners-up at Old Trafford to quadruple winners Wigan Warriors last term, but the Sky Sports pundit believes they are now 'ready' to produce under Willie Peters on the big stage and is now backing the club, who have recruited strongly again, to go one better and end a major trophy drought that is 40 years old this season.

On the contrary, Wells is tipping Hull, who finished 11th after winning just three games all season, for a bottom-half finish, insisting it will 'take time' before the Black and Whites mix it at the top end of the Super League table again.

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Asked for his prediction on the Grand Final winners, Wells said: "Hull KR – I just think they're ready. This has been a club that has grown and developed on and off the field for the last two or three seasons. They're ambitious, they have a great coach, progressive owners, and a fantastic fanbase, and I think they have significantly strengthened their squad since 2024."

Meanwhile, the Black and Whites are in the midst of a huge rebuild at the club, changing just about every area of their rugby department. That includes nine new players, several academy promotions, a new head coach in John Cartwright, a new assistant in Andy Last, not to mention new appointments to the club's backroom and performance staff, and most significantly of all, new ownership, with Andrew Thirkill and David Hood purchasing the club last December.

But Wells has stated that Hull won't be able to buy success straight away and will be 'shocked' if they make the play-offs. Asked who will shock everyone this year, Wells added: "Hull FC, but not for shaking up the league or winning trophies.

"There is an old adage that you cannot buy success, and I think, despite a slew of high-profile signings and the club now being under new ownership, that it may be some time before FC fans really see their team mixing it at the top end of Super League. Put it this way: I will be shocked if they make the play-offs."