The Hull KR forward opens up on Wembley disappointment and bouncing back against Wakefield Trinity.
Hull KR’s Sam Luckley and James Batchelor thank the travelling supporters at Wembley.
Sam Luckley has admitted watching Wigan Warriors celebrate Challenge Cup glory at Wembley hurt – but says Hull KR must quickly “pull their socks up and crack on” as attention switches back to Super League.
The Robins travel to face Wakefield Trinity at the DIY Kitchens Stadium on Saturday, with a straight run of league fixtures ahead leading into the play-offs and October’s Grand Final.
Willie Peters’ side are looking to respond immediately after a disappointing 40-10 defeat in the capital, aiming to reset and reconnect as a group against a dangerous Wakefield outfit.
“It wasn’t the result we wanted, and I had a bit of a sulk on Sunday and Monday – but you’ve got to pull your socks up now and crack on with the league,” prop Luckley said.
“Standing on the pitch and watching them lift the cup – it hurts, and it should, because we care and we all want success.
“We didn’t play how we wanted want to play, but Wigan were the better team on the day – they were outstanding. It’s our job to crack on now.
“We’ve got to reconnect as a group, and come through it together. We’ve got a tough game against Wakefield on Saturday.”
It’s fourth versus fifth in the table, with Daryl Powell’s Wakefield just behind on points difference after eight wins so far this season.
Luckley also expects talk of a Wembley hangover to follow Rovers into the weekend, but says the squad have already faced similar noise after their 32-12 semi-final win over Warrington Wolves in Doncaster.
“Wakefield are a great team, and they love to throw the ball around and play,” Luckley added.
“They’ve got strike all around the park, so we’ll have a plan, come together and hopefully go and get the win.
“I reckon a few people will think we’ll have a Wembley hangover after the loss – it was the same after the semi-final against Warrington, people expected us to drop off, so that was nice to prove a few people wrong.
“We pride ourselves on getting through to the next job.”