Hull KR boss on allocation, John Cartwright and what it means to face Hull FC

Hull KR boss Willie Peters is on cloud nine at the minute but admitted that form often goes out the window for a derby.

The Robins travel across Hull to face Hull FC on Saturday afternoon to face off in the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup.

They also meet again on Good Friday again at MKM Stadium in Super League’s Rivals Round.

It’s the first time the two sides have met in the Cup since 1986 and it will be played in front of a sell-out crowd.

Peters said whilst he wishes they could play in front of more than their 3,700 allocation of Hull KR supporters, his players want to make the most of the occasion, regardless of their opponents.

Speaking to BBC Radio Humberside, he said: “We understand it, we get it, but it’s one of those where you don’t want to build it up too early. For the players, it’s about enjoying the week and it’s still a normal Challenge Cup game – if you lose, you’re out.

“We’ve only got 3,500 but that 3,500 will feel like 20,000 and we’re looking forward to giving them something to cheer for.”

Willie Peters reveals Hull KR plan to silence Hull FC home crowd

When asked if it was a motivator to have fewer fans there, Peters admitted that it’s something they’re disappointed over but is out of their control.

He added: “It certainly drives us. We know the possible reasons behind it and it is what it is but it makes us more determined to give the fans at the game, and also the ones who couldn’t purchase tickets, something to cheer about.

“If we’re playing a certain style and a certain way, our crowd will get behind that and then more often than not, their 20,000 would get silenced. That’s what we aim to do.

“That might happen in the 78th minute, it might take us that long to do that but my point is that it’s all through our actions and what we do.”

The Hull KR boss also talked about his friendship with Hull FC head coach John Cartwright but will put that to one side as they face each other for a spot in the semi-finals.

Peters said: “Every coach, we’re all competitive and want to win. That’s why we do it. Carty is no different, I’m no different and other coaches are no different. I respect him for what he’s done as a player, a coach and as a bloke. He’s a great fella.”

Hull FC have been dubbed by most as the underdogs going into the fixture but Peters said their favourites tag means nothing once kick-off arrives.

He finished: “People talk about favourites and who has the bigger crowd but it doesn’t mean too much. Once that whistle goes, it’s all about your actions.”