Hull KR defeated Leeds Rhinos 20-14 in a game that saw two controversial red cards and Willie Peters has had his say on one of them.
In a dramatic game at Headingley where Hull KR struggled, they managed to launch a comeback in the final 15 minutes despite playing the final 20 minutes without prop forward Sauaso Sue.
Sue was sent off for his tackle on Sam Lisone with Chris Kendall ruling that the KR man made forceful contact to the head with no attempt to wrap. That was in spite of Lisone rapidly losing height and being close to Sue’s knees when the contact was made.
That red card seemed to invigorate Hull KR with their head coach even admitting that they “attacked better” with 12, although he did not agree with the decision.
“Definitely not a red” – What Willie Peters said after Hull KR star’s send off
Speaking post-match on Sky Sports, Peters was asked to give his verdict on the send off and he made his feelings clear.
“It’s not a send off. Not a send off at all,” Peters declared.
“It’s one of those things, I don’t know what he can do there. He lowered his levels and unfortunately it’s a contact sport and he’s made contact at the head but I don’t know what he’s going to do then. Definitely not a red card in my eyes.”
Leeds’ Ash Handley was sent off ten minutes after that meaning the final ten minutes were played with 12 versus 12 and Hull KR seemed to thrive then, scoring twice in quick succession through James Batchelor and Mikey Lewis as they exposed Leeds’ edges.
Reacting to the game, Peters said: “I’ve got a few greys (hair) now. Yeah, I thought the second half was tough, really tough. I was happy with the way to spine connected. Down to twelve men, I thought we attacked better and they had a plan what I wanted to do and executed.”
On what he’d learned of his side, he added: “I know they’re a tough team. It showed that. I suppose we’re a team that never gives up. I think there was a stage there I thought we were going to lose, to be honest.
“It was just a matter of keep fighting and see where it took us. I know they’re a tough team, I know how hard they work for each other and they’re close and well as I said before what I was most pleased about was that spine connecting when they needed to.”
He also offered praise to Bill Leyland who made his Super League debut for the Robins with the young hooker brought on to lift the intensity late on.
A huge result for Hull KR at Headingley 👏 pic.twitter.com/bLJQlAex5e
— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) April 25, 2025
