Willie Peters talks Hull KR Challenge Cup preparation with team selection dilemmas to weigh up

Hull KR boss Willie Peters has outlined his side’s plans as they spend the week preparing for a trip to Wembley next Saturday on the hunt for Challenge Cup silverware.

Rovers haven’t lifted the trophy since the 1979/80 season, and making a major final for the third year in a row means added pressure on Peters and his squad.

However, the Hull KR coach is all about recovery and preparation as he shared what they will be doing in the lead up to travelling down to London on Thursday.

In his post-match press conference on Friday after his side’s win over St Helens, he was asked when the prep work starts for Wembley.

He said: “It starts now, in terms of recovery and video. The players will recover now, that’s the most important thing for them, and then we obviously start looking at Warrington.

“We’ve got our week already planned, and it’s just a matter of building into it as the week goes on and enjoying it, but we’ve got a job to do.”

He even outlined their plans for the week, which looks set to be busy with added media duties and a long travel day.

He added: “Tomorrow (Saturday) is recovery for players, and then they’ll have a day off after that. We’re back in on Monday, so we start to install how we want to attack, and defensively, our approach there with what Warrington are going to throw at us.

“That’s usually looking at this game as well, and then we’ll start to look a them. Then it’s another day off, and then it’s a big day, gameday minus 3, which is Wednesday, our main day, so everything gets done that day.

“We leave the day after (Thursday), so we’ll have a send-off here, which is nice, but it’s not a celebration, it’s just respect and thanking the fans more than anything. We’ve got a job to do, and that’s what we intend to do.”

Hull KR boss compares this year’s approach to 2023 efforts and talks team selection

However, Peters was determined that his players enjoy the experience of making another Challenge Cup final, having lost to Leigh Leopards just two years ago.

Comparing this year’s approach to that in 2023, he said: “There are a few different ways as to how we approach it. In terms of the way we train, nothing changes there.

“It’s just minor changes, in and around where we stay, but the main way we approach it will stay the same.

“It’s a special time, there’s no doubt about that. Watching it last year, it hurt, because we were part of it the year before, but it also hurts when you lose.

“I think you’re going to get your most enjoyment off the back of a win. We’re a family club, so obviously, they’re included.

“But at the end of the day, we’ve got to prepare to win a game, so that’s our approach. As much as we’re grateful to be a part of next week, we want to go that one step further.”

In terms of team selection, the Hull KR boss has some decisions to make, but others, unfortunately, are unavailable, which means there are two positions across the backline potentially up for grabs.

He added: “Next week’s a different week in terms of our selection process, because we’ve got Arthur (Mourgue) and Noah Booth, who are both cup-tied, and we’ve still got some injuries.

“It sort of picks itself next week in terms of what we’ve done before, so there will be changes from what tonight was.”

Peters believes that even though they have a week of prep ahead of them, his squad are more determined than ever to give everything they have in the Cup final.

He finished: “Next week, you’re playing for a little bit more than just the two points so even when you’re feeling a bit tired or sore, you go after it a little bit more. I’m sure the players will.”

A happy Willie Peters talks with the press after our RD13 victory 😁

Watch Willie’s full Post-Match press now with our YouTube Membership 👉 https://t.co/NyK4PvMaua#UpTheRobins🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/0i2itNnAnm

— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) May 31, 2025