'Put the foot down' Hull KR coach Willie Peters on task ahead
Hull Kingston Rovers head coach Willie Peters urged his side to "put the foot down even more" with the season's final round and play-offs coming next.
With Wigan Warriors securing the League Leaders' Shield with last night's 64-0 win over Salford Red Devils, Rovers' focus turns to securing a top-two finish and consequent home semi-final as they host play-off chasing Leeds Rhinos tonight in a big game for both clubs. Rovers are two points ahead of Warrington with a better score different of 16 - with the Wire hosting London Broncos tonight.
Hull KR head coach Willie Peters said: "I think the players have come to the party with the way they have turned up each week and the way they are performing - but the job's not done. This is where the business starts - this is the business end of the season - and we have got to put the foot down even more.
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"Our games against Leeds this season have been really tight. We had a tight game in which we got them at the back end here then another one at Headingley when Brad (Arthur) took over. They have improved a lot since Brad took over, they are playing a lot more physical. I know the way Brad likes to coach and you can see the players are trying to do that. We know what they can bring but we will focus on what we can control and we know what our style is and we'll bring that on Friday."
Hull KR are without banned captain Elliot Minchella and, with Kelepi Tanginoa injured in the forwards, there is going to be responsibility on the shoulders of James Batchelor in the second row - after a big week following the birth of baby son Zak. Peters said: "Our senior group take a lot of responsibility anyway - James Batchelor will captain the side, which he has done before when Mini hasn't played."
Speaking about the do-or-die nature of this contest, and what is to follow, Peters said: "These games are like the Challenge Cup - you've got to win these games. This team has proven in the past two years since I've been here that we can handle those situations. I see no different this Friday night and I see it as a positive. You want to be winning your last game."
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