Willie Peters’ demand as he points to major Hull KR play-off advantage

Having home advantage in a Super League play-off semi-final could well prove to be pivotal for Hull KR. That’s the belief of head coach Willie Peters, who saw his side clinch second spot in the table and a place in the final four with a 26-16 win over Leeds Rhinos on Friday night.

It means Rovers will now host the highest ranked team to progress through next week’s elimination round on Friday, October 4, with a place at a Grand Final at Old Trafford on the line. KR have never reached the Super League’s showpiece event, but having brought an end to the regular season on the back of 10 wins in their last 11 games, it’s fair to say they’ll fancy their chances.

And, after winning all but two games on home soil this season, to be playing out their semi-final at Craven Park in front of their vociferous support, could well provide the leg up they need to reach the Grand Final.

“It’s been big in the past and that’s what we strived and wanted to achieve,” Peters said when asked how crucial home advantage could be in their next game. “We want to get to Old Trafford and we would certainly rather play here than anywhere else.

“It’s great for the community, our fanbase and this will be pumping in a couple of weeks’ time. There might have been some nervous energy tonight but I’d like to think in a couple of weeks they’ll have the belief in the team. I know they do but we’re going to go and do a job and make them proud. That’s been the goal since I got here and we’ll continue to do that.”

The Hull KR man added: “Not many teams like coming here and that’s what we want. We want the fans to enjoy the occasion and the players will prepare and get ready like they always do and we want our fans to do their part, which they always do as well.

“In semi-finals you need to step up and with players it’s simple things, running hard, kick chase all the simple things in the game, the effort areas. We’d love the fans to step up and be even more vocal than they are because it will be intimidating for whoever comes here.”