Hull KR head coach will have to break the news to four of his 21-man squad that they won’t feature in Saturday’s Challenge Cup Final, something he’s described as the toughest part of the job but he’s also underlined the importance of those who will miss out.
The Robins are healthier than most at this stage of the season with their 21-man squad featuring shirt numbers 2 through 22, with number one Arthur Mourgue the only man to miss out.
There are still concerns over Dean Hadley’s hamstring and the availability of Jai Whitbread given the fact his partner is expecting, but it’s fair to say that cutting his squad down to size will be a brutal call for Willie Peters.
“It’s always tough, regardless if it’s a cup final or round one game or whatever it is, it’s always tough,” he told BBC Radio Humberside on Tuesday, two days prior to Thursday’s 21-man squad announcement.
“It’s a part of the job that you don’t enjoy, but you’ve got to pick 17.”
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For those who don’t make the 17, Peters has emphasised their importance as well with the Hull KR coach talking about the value of reps in training, all made possible thanks to the wider squad who may not necessarily play at Wembley.
He explained: “Everyone’s part of it. We’ve got young guys in our squad that haven’t played with us and may not play this year, but they help prepare the players every week.
“They’re obviously going to play reserves or whatever they’re doing, whether they’re on loan or whatever, that’s to develop them individually, but what they do for our side is prepare the players each week and they’ve got a job to do tomorrow and they’re aware of that.
“They’re a massive part of what we do. It’s not the 17 guys that just go in to play this week. We’ve got a squad that will help us prepare.”
One man who will feature though is full-back Jack Broadbent, the club’s starter in the 2025 Challenge Cup final and Peters has tipped him for another strong game.
“Jack’s been outstanding for us, especially the last six weeks,” Peters said.
“We’re really comfortable with Jack playing full-back and we know what we’re going to get for him. I’m sure he’s going to have a big game again this week.”
