Hull KR open the new Super League campaign away to competition newcomers York Knights on Thursday.
Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet and Hull KR head coach Willie Peters at Super League’s official launch in Manchester last week.
Hull KR are determined to set the tone from the off in their title-defending campaign as they open the new Super League season away to newcomers York Knights on Thursday.
The Robins head into 2026 confident of defending all their silverware following a historic year for the East Hull outfit, which culminated in Grand Final glory against Wigan Warriors last October.
With the slate wiped clean, Willie Peters’ side are firing again and eager to add a fourth trophy to the cabinet later this month when they face the World Club Challenge on February 19. However, the immediate focus is firmly on Thursday night’s trip to the LNER Community Stadium.
Hull KR will take on York in the Knights’ first-ever Super League fixture following their promotion to the top flight, with Peters keen for his side to lay down an early marker.
“We want to set the tone nice and early around how we want to play this season, and nothing should change for us,” Peters said. “We know what works for us, and it’s important that we dive into that again.
“We played York last year in the Challenge Cup and it was a really competitive game. They’ve recruited well in the off-season, brought in some Super League players and added some good experience.
“Mark Applegarth has done, and is doing, a great job with that team. They’re well coached, organised and hard-working, and that’s what I’ve seen from them over the last couple of years. I’m expecting no different this week – it’ll be a tough challenge.”
Hull KR come into the opener on the back of a club-record 104-0 victory over Lock Lane in the Challenge Cup, an 18-try rout that importantly yielded no fresh injury concerns.
The Robins could be boosted by the return of Sam Luckley this week, while Tom Amone remains on course to feature in the World Club Challenge later this month.
“Everyone came through okay, and we were fortunate given it sounds like there have been some injuries across the competition,” Peters said.
“Sam Luckley started training with us this week, so we’re hopeful he’ll pull through. At this stage, he’s on track. He was a long-term one from pre-season.
“Jordan Dezeria won’t play after picking up a hamstring strain.
“Tom Amone will miss this week, but we’re hopeful he’ll be back for the World Club Challenge. He’s training – it’s a hand issue – so he can do all the running. Contact has been an issue for him, but he’s starting to get that back now.”