‘We’re ready for war with Rovers’
Sentiment can often play a big part in sport and indeed rugby league. But with the stakes so high in this weekend’s round of the Qualifiers, there’s no room for well wishes.
Tyla Hepi, a former Hull KR youngster, faces the Robins tomorrow afternoon in a crucial middle 8s affair which, if Rovers are successful, could spell the end for Toulouse’s promotion dreams.
The French outfit still remain in with a chance of making the Million Pound Game and it’s mathematically possible they could yet gain automatic elevation to Super League. With livelihoods on the line, the 25-year-old has a strong message ahead of taking on Tim Sheens’ men.
“KR are a big, physical team and they like to take control of matches so we have to stop that. We’re ready for war,” said Hepi, son of former Hull FC utility man Brad Hepi.
“It’s a must-win game for us if we want to get to that Million Pound Game. It’s a play-off, a final for us, and we’re all going to go full steam ahead for the win.
“We missed out on the Qualifiers last year by one win – we actually needed
Hull KR to beat Halifax on the final day but it wasn’t to be. Now that we’re in it we’re all focused on getting the job done. We don’t like losing at home and I can’t honestly remember the last team to beat us so it’s a big one.”
Hepi hopes it will be third time lucky for Toulouse tomorrow, having beaten the Robins twice in the Championship last term to become KR’S Achilles heel.
Running out 14-6 and 31-30 victors in both home and away clashes in 2017, another success will be gladly tasted by the New Zealander, with his connections to Hull lasting over a decade.
A former David Lister School pupil, Hepi moved to the city in 2006-07, but returned to his native land soon after.
Having featured for the school side after being passed down skills from his dad at aged five, and with his father’s links to the Black and Whites, Hepi’s name remained in the minds of scouts before Rovers came calling under Craig Sandercock in 2012 to snap up the 19-year-old from Auckland’s youth set-ups.
Handing Hepi a two-year contract, the forward had to bide his time to claim his debut, which eventually came in the defeat at Warrington Wolves, but impressed in his limited time in red and white.
Fond memories of his life in Hull remain but it’s clear Hepi is focused on getting one over his former side.
“I grew up in New Zealand, and came to Hull for around a year when I was 11 or 12 years old, and only came back for that two-year deal with Rovers,” Hepi, who had stints at Gloucester All Golds and Whitehaven before moving to Toulouse in 2016, explained.
“A lot has changed since I was last there, and I think Liam Salter is the only guy still there from my time.
“If there was one thing I missed about Hull, it has to be a Chinese restaurant called Yinjibar in the town!
“It’s tough being on my own here in Toulouse, as I have no family out here but I’m loving my time in France.
“At times it can feel like a base camp but I know I’m here and employed to do a job and learn from my coach.
“I’ve enjoyed the Qualifiers so far, it’s been another step up and I’ve relished the challenge of playing these great teams back-to-back.
“KR are going to be tough but we’re confident.”
Part of the team narrowly beaten last weekend at Toronto Wolfpack, Hepi wasn’t alone in voicing his frustrations post-match after Mason Caton-brown’s controversial try helped the Canadians to a 13-12 home success.
Still seemingly furious about the decision, which saw the Toronto winger drop possession in the act of scoring, but keen to put the episode to bed, Hepi wants to channel all his efforts into gaining promotion for Sylvain Houles’ men.
“Everybody has seen the try that wasn’t. It’s a bad decision but we can’t do anything about that now, the game is gone,” Hepi said.
“We can’t sit back and blame the incompetence of referees, we just have to focus on ourselves. I do think video referees should be in place however to stop decisions like that being made going forward.
“To achieve the promotion to Super League is what I’ve been striving for ever since I left KR in 2013.
“I’ve always wanted to be back, playing at that level and challenging myself.
“With rugby union still huge out here, for Toulouse, it would be massive and the impact it would have on French rugby league to have two teams in the top division would be outstanding.
“It would really help develop the game out here so we want to do it for everyone.”