Hull KR go into the play-offs as defending champions, but if they are to bounce back they will have to make history by becoming the first team to win the Super League title from sixth place.
It has been an up and down season for the Robins. Their World Club Challenge triumph was followed by a heavy defeat in Las Vegas, while inconsistency throughout the campaign saw them sneak into the play-offs in the last available spot.
It means they face a trip to Warrington Wolves ahead of a potential clash with Challenge Cup and League Leaders’ Shield winners Wigan Warriors as they look to secure a place in the Grand Final.
“It’s a tough ask, but Hull KR head coach Willie Peters is preparing his squad to bid farewell to the club before returning to Australia to take charge of new NRL franchise PNG Chiefs.”
Peters has opted to rest most of his senior squad twice in the last three weeks and knows they will need to step it up when they return if they are to taste Super League glory once again, starting with a tough game against Wolves.
“Look, I don’t think what we’ve done at the moment is probably good enough, but we’ve got three games ahead of us, hopefully, the most important games this weekend against Warrington,” Peters said. Sky Sports.
“If we score that and then you go to play Wigan and score that, then you deserve to be there.
“I have a saying: you get what you deserve and we’re going to get what we deserve, whether it’s playing in the big league or bowing out early.
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Highlights of the World Club Challenge between Hull KR and Brisbane Broncos.
“We know where we want to be, that’s for sure.
“I’ve watched Warrington closely this year and you look at the players they’ve got, a lot of young players but they’ve got a lot of experience around them. They’ve got a really good mix.
“Sam (Burgess) has done a great job and is still doing a great job with them, so we know what we’re up against.
“We’re not happy just to bow out this week or next week. It’s to play at Old Trafford again and make more memories. That’s what it’s all about.”
Currie: We’re happy to fly under the radar
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Highlights of the Super League match between Hull KR and Warrington Wolves.
If Hull KR are to achieve their self-imposed goals, they will first have to overcome a tough Warrington side standing in their way.
Despite finishing third, there hasn’t been much buzz around Warrington.
But for free agent Ben Currie, that’s just the way they like it. They can continue to work together as a team and focus on their goals while the focus remains elsewhere.
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Highlights of the Super League match between Hull FC and Warrington Wolves.
“We see a lot of media stuff and Warrington maybe not mentioned or our players maybe not mentioned and we like it that way,” Currie said. Sky Sports.
“Personally, I like it that way. I’d rather not have the cameras around us and have it be just us.
“I think that shows the consistency our team has had. We’ve played as a team this year.
“Maybe there weren’t many standout players, we all worked very well together.
“We’ve been working away.”
Superliga play off schedule
qualifiers
Friday, September 18: Wakefield Trinity vs Leigh Leopards, KO 8pm Sky Sports
Saturday 19th September: Warrington Wolves vs Hull KR, KO 5.30pm Sky Sports
semifinals
Semi-Final 1: Friday 25 September Leeds Rhinos vs TBC, 8pm KO at Sky Sports
Semi-Final 2: Saturday 26 September, Wigan Warriors v TBC, 5.30pm KO on Sky Sports
The Super League play-offs begin on Friday 18 September, live on Sky Sports, and continue until the grand final from Old Trafford on 3 October.
