-
1 hour ago
Hull KR coach Willie Peters said he cannot wait for the derby with Hull FC this weekend as his side look to win the League Leaders’ Shield for the first time.
The Robins have spent virtually the whole season in top spot in Super League and at Craven Park on Sunday they come up against their city rivals – who themselves are battling for a play-off place.
Australian Peters is a veteran of some fierce derbies in the NRL but described the Hull match-up as “a derby on steroids”.
He told BBC Radio Humberside: “I am excited, like always – they are special games.”
He added: “It’s a sell out, it will be loud and vocal and there is a lot to play for which is great. They are looking to get into the top six, we are playing to stay on top of the table.
“It’s been a special week and I bought into it straight away when I came here, I have been involved in some great derbies and this is at the top.
“The build up and atmosphere is consistent, this is a derby on steroids. We do get it right in terms of what derbies are about over here.”
Hull KR finished fourth in the table in 2023, and were runners-up last year before losing the Grand Final to Wigan Warriors at Old Trafford.
Peters would not be drawn on what it would mean to wrap up top spot this weekend but said his side are ready for the showdown.
“Our games have had a play-off feel for a while. Every single game now is going to be difficult, every game is going to be challenging and the derby will be a cracker of a game,” he said.
“I’m not too bothered about what their strengths are, they’ve been pretty vocal about this being their Grand Final and they are well and truly up for it – I’ve heard all that.
“But I just look at our strengths and them having to stop us. They need to come to our level.”
Hull FC have had a much-improved season, sitting sit just outside the play-off places in seventh, and head coach John Cartwright said the derby holds no fear for his side.
He told BBC Radio Humberside: “If ever there was a game you don’t need any motivation for it’s one of these derbies.
“I have never been to Craven Park. It’s an atmosphere I am looking forward to, and both clubs have circled this on the calendar from day one. We are going there to win, that’s for sure.
“If we win we might get back into the top six. That is an opportunity we are not going to gloss over and we back ourselves.
“It’s a game you just want to play in.”
