Hull KR have their first hit-out of the pre-season tonight as they travel to Featherstone Rovers for Craig Hall’s testimonial and the game will give new head coach Willie Peters a chance to test his squad out.
Peters arrives on Humberside following an up and down season for Rovers in which they made the Challenge Cup semi-finals but ultimately failed to make the playoffs.
A poor eight game streak that saw just one win ultimately cost Tony Smith his job and Rovers a playoff berth and that issue of consistency is something the Robins want to focus on for 2023.
Speaking to the Sportsman Rugby League’s Youtube channel their skipper, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, spoke about how 2023 can be better than 2022.
“We need to give ourselves the best chance, we need to start the season well and get a few wins on the board but you nailed it on the head, it’s about being consistent throughout the year.
“We know we need to earn our spot in the top six, it’s not going to be easy but I think we’re in a good place and we’re ready to go to the next level of where we are as a club and that’s further up near the top of the table.”
Rovers placed outside the top six last season after an incredible 2021 that saw them make the playoff semi-finals, but ultimately the lack of consistency and a terrible spell of injuries meant they missed out.
Their skipper now believes that whilst there’s plenty of competition in the way, Rovers are primed for a return to the playoffs.
“I think it’s up to us, we’re confident in our own ability so it’s up to us to deliver on the weekend. We know it’s a tight competition, anyone can make that six but if we look after things that we can control and prepare the best we can every week then we’ll give ourselves the best chance.”
On success, the Kiwi responded: “Playing in the finals at the back end of the year and making sure we’re a consistent team getting the best out of ourselves week in week out.”
Following pre-season KR will kick off Channel 4’s Super League coverage for the 2023 season when they host Challenge Cup holders Wigan on Saturday 18th February in a midday kick off.
