Hull KR will still be without some of the players they were missing last week, however, the vast majority will return with Willie Peters intent on seeing the benefits on Friday night.
Peters would swap out eight of the players who lost against Toulouse in round 24 as he played a heavily-rotated side for round 25 against Wigan, changes that resulted in a 46-0 loss.
The Hull KR boss had defended his actions last week in the media, asserting that just three of the players he had changed out were rested and when offering an injury update today [Tuesday], he confirmed that most will return.
“A few players are back this week, which is good. We had some guys train today,” Peters explained.
“We’ll look further into the week to make sure they’re okay, but there’s a few back this week, which is good.”
On those who will come back, Peters confirmed: “Dean Hadley will be back, Elliot Minchella will be back, Joe Burgess and Peta Hiku. Tyrone May got through the session today – he didn’t do it all, but he’s on track as well.
“Oliver Gildart got through today, so if he gets through the captain’s run, he’ll be okay.”
Peters did confirm that two players, as well as the suspended Mikey Lewis and Tevita Pangai Jr, will miss out, noting: “James Batchelor (hamstring) will still be out, and Ryan Hampshire broke his wrist, so there’s a couple there that will be out.”
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Hull KR keen to end on high at Craven Park in 2026
Having made such wholesale changes last week to bring about a fresh and recharged team for the final two rounds of the season, Peters was clear that his side must capitalise now and leave nothing to chance.
“I want to see the benefits this week, that’s the purpose,” Peters said, knowing that a loss will set up a decider against St Helens next week, should Saints manage to overcome Leigh.
“It’s making sure that the players are ready to go this week. This is the most important game of the year for us, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Peters was clear on what he was expecting, admitting that there has been a ‘buzz at training’, adding: “Everyone had a few days off, and you can see they’ve given themselves a break and come back with a spring in their step.
“We win this game, and we’re in the six. If we don’t, we’re fighting to survive in the six. I always talk about our next game being our most important, and there’s two reasons – it’s our last game here and it’s important that we finish the year strong.”
There is a scenario where Hull KR can finish fourth and land a home play-off, though they would need to win out and hope results go against Wakefield and Leigh, but Peters was clear on the fact his side pay back the fans after recent performance.
“It’s important we finish our last home game at Craven Park with a strong performance, because we haven’t done that the last two times we’ve been here.”
