KR can create space ahead of chasing pack with statement win
NOW IS THE TIME FOR PETERS’ MEN TO ‘UP THE ANTE’
Hull KR host Wigan Warriors tonight, knowing a win would leapfrog their opponents and cement a top-two spot after round 13.
The two sides are locked on 16 points, with the likes of Catalans Dragons, Leigh Leopards and Salford Red Devils keeping up the top-six push.
As we enter the business stage of the Super League season, games like this are rightly dubbed with the four-pointer cliché.
The Robins have already beaten the Warriors in 2023, but this upcoming clash is arguably much more important than the one in February.
Although both teams are missing some key players, the quality on the field is expected to be high. Take Jordan Abdull and Jai Field, for example. Both are instrumental for the respective clubs, but Rovers and Wigan are finding ways to cope without their star talents. In this one, it could be a battle between Mikey Lewis and Bevan French.
This is the first game in a block of fixtures that could define Hull KR’S second part of the season. They’ve built up the runs in their first innings.
Now it’s time to up the ante and continue their push for a play-off spot whilst fitting in a crucial Challenge Cup tie as well. Rovers have Salford next week, before heading over to Perpignan.
Three games that could change the league’s standings dramatically.
You could find yourselves top of the tree, or out of the top six depending on what outcome you get in that vital trio of contests.
With their next two league fixtures on the road, using Craven Park as an advantage also seems vital tonight.
Willie Peters and his players love walking out to the cauldron of noise that meets them in each home outing, and that “14th” man could carry them over the line if the game is a close contest.
The Robins have won five of their last seven meetings with Wigan, and this is a stat they can take inspiration from. The Warriors might not be performing to their best at the moment, but they do have arguably one of, if not the best, players in the competition.
The aforementioned French is the Cherry and Whites’ danger man.
In the absence of Field, he has stepped up to the plate and sometimes carries his troops when the levels aren’t being hit.
The kicking game of Lewis, Jez Litten and Matt Parcell will be key.
If they go high, make sure they have an ample number of chasers to force an error or trap French before he can break. If they go low, pin the ball into the corners and try to get French tackled to take him out of the next few plays.
With Matt Peet’s pack decimated, it will also be down to the likes of Dean Hadley, Sauaso Sue and Elliot Minchella to assert their dominance from the off. Play aggressive but composed. What worked for them in round one was the way they wound up Wigan’s big men, earning easy penalties carting them up-field. Same again, tire them out, and use their experience to get one over the young Warriors who have been called upon.
Another tough one to call. Rovers will be desperate to get back to winning ways in the league and what a statement it would be if they can overtake the Warriors.