For one of Super League’s marquee attractions, Hull KR just want Magic Weekend over and done with like it’s an unwanted distraction.
The Challenge Cup semi-final is next week and with the Robins desperate for a return to Wembley, it would be easy to have one eye on the impending showdown with Catalans Dragons.
Realistically, it’s very hard for that not to creep into the thoughts of the players, especially with Rovers playing a side enduring as much turbulence as Salford Red Devils are this season. Their squad has been ripped apart, they’ve won just one game and the Robins put them to the sword earlier this year.
But the Robins can’t let complacency slip in. The impressive thing about their campaign has been the consistency of their performances regardless of the challenge put in front of them. As an example, they put Huddersfield to the sword when they were thoroughly expected to win, as will be the case on Saturday when they take on Paul Rowley’s side.
And ultimately, this is a chance for some players to put their hand up for selection in the biggest game of the season next week. With some uncertainty still over the wingers, this is a chance for Jack Broadbent and one of Lee Kershaw or Noah Booth to put their hand up for selection if they remain unavailable next week.
Even for players like Bill Leyland and Jack Brown, likely to retain their spots, it’s an opportunity to earn further trust from Peters that they can get the job done when called upon.
Rovers, two points clear at the top of the table, will want to retain that advantage in Newcastle. They want to be in the hunt for every trophy available and to win the League Leaders’ Shield, knocking off the teams at the bottom is a minimum requirement.
If they can do that, they will head to York next week in a great spot.