Hull KR head coach Willie Peters has insisted that ‘the job is not done’ despite the Robins registering a best-ever Super League finish.
Hull KR overcame a gritty and determined Leeds Rhinos on Friday night to win 26-16 and cement second place in Super League, earning the Robins their highest-ever finish in the competition and an all-important home semi-final.
That’s massive for Hull KR, as argued by Catalans player and Sky Sports pundit Sam Tomkins who claimed that no other team in Super League would benefit from a home draw more than the Robins.
Tomkins had explained: “I think they (Hull KR) get the most benefit from a home draw. I think it’s a tough place to go. Great atmosphere, the best atmosphere in Super League I believe.”
Despite all the flowers being handed to Rovers and their head coach Willie Peters, he’s calmed things back down and underlined that there is still plenty left to do.
Speaking after Friday’s win, Peters said: “I’m really proud of the players, I think to finish second in the competition the way it is, it’s a really tight competition, not easy to do, but that competition so to speak is finished and now we’ve got a new one that we’ve got to focus on.”
“So far, so good” – More to come from Hull KR
Credit: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
When pushed further on the need to celebrate the great achievement of placing second, Peters accepted that his side were ‘certainly happy’ but made it clear that finishing second should not be the top of the mountain for Hull KR.
“I think you’ve got to celebrate the little wins along the way. Everyone’s striving for a top two, that’s what you want. You want to be in a position where you have the week off, so we’re certainly happy with that.
“But we’re not content, we want to go and do something now because we’re in a position to do that. As I say, the finish second is a good achievement, but it’s not where we want to be.”
Hull KR will host the highest-ranked winner from the first round of play-off games meaning that any of Warrington Wolves, Salford Red Devils or Leigh Leopards could travel to Craven Park for Friday, 4th October.
Whoever it is, Hull KR will be ready with Peters insistent that his side are bang up to go all the way this year.
“As I said before, you need to celebrate the little wins along the way, but if you don’t do anything next week or the week after, whatever it is, then how do you look at your season?
“So far so good, we’re pleased with what we’ve done so far, but the job’s not done.”
It marks a huge mentality shift at the club. Hull KR are no longer the plucky side who have had a fairytale run to the play-offs, they’re a team who now expect to be knocking on the door for silverware year in and year out.
