Rugby League News

Willie Peters’ speaks on eve of first game as Hull KR head coach

by
Sam Cook
January 19, 2023

Hull KR are set to travel to Featherstone Rovers for their first pre-season game and new head coach Willie Peters is in good spirit but under no illusion of the level of opposition.

The game is set to be the testimonial of Craig Hall, the Robins’ legend, and Peters has spoken prior to the game having named a youthful squad.

Speaking to Hull KR TV in a video shared to the club’s social media Peters was very upbeat.

“I’m really looking forward to it, the beauty for me was that I had six months to plan and prepare to get to this point so we’re in a good position.

“There’s no way to find out though other than playing a game.”

Peters takes his first head coaching job after the Robins parted ways with Tony Smith mid-way through the 2022 campaign and Peters has been doing his research on his opponents ahead of his maiden game.

“We’re looking forward to going over to Featherstone, I went over and watched their friendly. They’re a tough and gritty team who are well coached by Longy (Sean Long) and it’s going to be a good hit out for us.”

Willie Peters is looking forward to the Robins' first action of 23' against @FevRoversRLFC tomorrow! 🔜

Watch Peters' press in full on team selection, Craig Hall and past pre-season games 👉https://t.co/CzdgyBRvNp #UpTheRobins 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/GNzjC8TUNL

— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) January 19, 2023

The match will kick off at 7.45pm for former Robins’ winger Craig Hall and his testimonial with the home team expecting a huge turnout at the Millennium Stadium.

New signing Tom Opacic from the NRL features and is perhaps the standout name with the centre being the only one of the three NRL signings making his debut.

Sauaso Sue and Rhys Kennedy won’t feature with Kennedy still believed to be recovering from surgery.

Ireland international Ethan Ryan will feature in the back row with Opacic and play will be orchestrated by Jordan Abdull but generally the squad is full of youth.

The club announced the squad news via their Twitter profile.