“I’m a man of my word” – Hull KR boss explains Peta Hiku decisions

Hull KR head coach Willie Peters has revealed that the clash against Huddersfield Giants has potentially changed his mind about where he will play Peta Hiku going forward.

The Australian coach confirmed that he had brought Hiku in with the ‘promise’ that he would get a shot at full-back, something that he confirmed fellow signing Niall Evalds also knew.

Speaking to the media at a press conference prior to Hull KR’s Challenge Cup clash with Salford tomorrow night, Peters revealed that Hiku needed to be given time to showcase his skills in the position after having given the ex-Warrington man “his word” on what position he would play.

The Hull KR boss revealed: “Peta needed to spend some time there for the first few weeks and we needed to see where the players were best suited. But as I said, I’m a man of my word and I gave Peta my word that he was going to start there. He was fully aware of that, but he’s also fully aware of the conversations that we’ve had from pre-season up until now. He’s on board with everything that we’re doing.

“Whether he plays centre, whether he plays at six or whether he played at one, he knows he’s a valued player in our team and he will be. As I said, he probably will play full-back at some stage again.”

Both men have been named in the squad to face Salford after having both starred at the weekend against Huddersfield, Hiku scoring a brace from centres and Evalds clocking up almost 140 metres at ten metres per carry.

With Mikey Lewis absent after failing a HIA there could be the chance that Hiku is moved into the halves, a position that Peters believes he is capable of, however, the club have recalled hooker Reiss Butterworth from his loan at London which may forecast that Jez Litten moves to seven.

George King is another of the absentees after pulling up with an injury whilst Ben Reynolds is cup-tied after already playing in the competition for Featherstone Rovers.

“Peta felt far more comfortable in the centres” – Hull KR boss explains switch

The first four games of the Super League season saw Hiku campaigned at full-back with Evalds on the wing in three of those, the one game that he missed was actually against Friday’s opponent Salford.

Despite that intention to bed Hiku in at full-back Peters confirmed that the New Zealand international confirmed he feels more comfortable in the centres, triggering the switch which paid off with immediate effect.

“What we did in games, we moved Niall during games because, naturally for Peta, it was a new position to him and what we wanted to do was use those first four weeks to feel and see where players are best suited,” Peters explained.

“Look, I’ll be honest, you need to have a look at the weekend. Peta is better suited in the centres at the moment. Niall is better suited at full-back. It’s far more natural for both players.

“Peta may play full-back again this year, but it will be mainly around, I suppose, if anything happens to Niall because Peta felt far more comfortable in the centres and Niall was far more comfortable at full-back. So, at this stage, we’ll progress along those lines.”

The Hull KR boss was keen to point out though that he still has all the faith in Peta Hiku’s ability as a full-back, stating that neither he nor Kiku would have an issue in him reclaiming the full-back role.

“Peta and I have had many conversations, so if Peta had to play full-back next week, I’ve got no issue whatsoever with that, and neither would he.”