WILLIE Peters has challenged Hull KR’s spine players to rise to the occasion in Friday’s top-of-the-table Betfred Super League clash away to Wigan Warriors.
The leaders head to The Brick Community Stadium four points ahead of the reigning champions with six games of the regular season remaining, aiming to take a step closer towards securing a maiden League Leaders’ Shield.
Hull KR’s last three matches against the Warriors, including the 2024 grand final and the 28-12 loss at Sewell Group Craven Park in April, have all gone the way of Friday’s hosts though and Robins head coach Peters stressed the importance of the likes of Mikey Lewis, Arthur Mourgue and Jez Litten all stepping up in the crucial encounter.
- Matty Nicholson cops Canberra Raiders team-mates video messaging prank
- Salford Red Devils target new signing
- Subscribe to rugbyleaguehub.com on YouTube
“There have been some blow-out games in there, but the majority of the games are tight and it’s the spine that have a lot of say in it,” Peters told BBC Radio Humberside.
“I always talk about how forwards win games and our forwards do a great job, but the challenge will be with our spine making sure they can ice their moments with our edge.
“A big responsibility will be around them this week and if you have a look at a look of those games, there has been a key factor in them and that’s Bevan French or key spine players in their team. Most of the time, it’s some individual brilliance from him and that’s what it takes.
“I’m looking for our spine to step up because I know what we’re going to get from our middles and what platform they’ll set, so I’m looking forward to our spine stepping up and enjoy big moments.”
Wigan stand-off French is set to make his first appearance since June 20 in the match after returning from injury, although Peters is prepared for any scenario whether the former Man of Steel features or not.
The ex-Wigan scrum-half has been impressed by the performances of the up-and-coming Jack Farrimond in French’s absence as well, but insists it will be more down to how his own side perform on the night.
“We’ve got to prepare that he is playing, but you’ve got to prepare for different scenarios,” Peters said.
“You can’t predict or control what opposition teams are doing, but you have got a lot of control around what we do. When we train, our focus going into games is around what we can control…so this week has been no different.
“We know the type of player Bevan is, but I think young Farrimond is a good player as well and similar in terms of good feet.
“Who knows? They may go with someone else, but we can expect that as well.”
