Hull KR

Hull KR coach Willie Peters makes signing statement after Challenge Cup win

by
Peter Smith
February 8, 2025

Hull KR coach Willie Peters was “reasonably happy” after seeing his side begin their season with a 44-2 Challenge Cup win at York Knights.

The Super League side ran in eight tries, but Peters was delighted to keep a clean sheet against what he described as “a very good Championship team”.

He said: “The defensive area was the most pleasing, they threw a lot at us, but we defended well and worked hard for each other.”

York started well and led 2-0 through a Will Dagger penalty goal, but three tries in the final 15 minutes of the first half sent Hull KR in with a 16-2 interval lead.

Peters was full of praise for the second-tier hosts. He said: “It looked to me like two Super League teams in the first quarter.

“It took us a while to get over the top of them, but full credit to them – they stuck at it and they’ll have a successful season this year.”

Former Leeds Rhinos second-rower Rhyse Martin had an impressive debut, scoring two tries and six goals for a personal haul of 20 points.

“Rhyse was really strong,” Peters said. “He was damaging with the ball and defensively he was very strong. He is going to be a good signing for us.”

York coach Mark Applegarth reflected: “It’s not often you’re proud in defeat after a 40-point scoreline, but for 20-30 minutes we competed very well.

“As pace told we started dropping off contact, but I was very proud of our lads’ effort.”

Applegarth added: “As a coach, I am naturally disappointed with the result but for the city of York it was a great occasion and a good chance to showcase our stadium.

“My job is to make sure we’re going in the right direction on the field and everything else is good off it, if we get the chance to go to that next level.”