The Robins are looking to back up last week’s derby win.
Hull KR’s Rhyse Martin
Willie Peters has confirmed that Hull KR forward Rhyse Martin will return to the side against Bradford Bulls on Friday night.
Martin was the 18th man against Hull FC in the derby last week but will return to the 17 in some capacity following the absence of Jesse Sue and potential drop-out of Dean Hadley due to a hamstring issue.
And Peters is now backing Martin to return with a bang and in a similar mould to Jai Whitbread, who was also left out as 18th man earlier this month.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Peters said: “We’re picking on form each week on how we think we are best suited. Whether you’re a senior player or a younger player coming through, we want to make sure that everyone knows that someone else can come in and take your position.
“I think it’s healthy for the club going forward. We’ve been loyal both ways in terms of player performance, and most of the players who play every week have performed at a high level, but at times where players aren’t playing so well, you give them another opportunity.
“But yeah, there are different reasons, obviously, that go into picking a team, and they’re never easy choices when you’ve got your full team to choose from. But you want to be in that position.
“Rhyse will come back now that Jesse’s not on the side this week. He will come back somewhere; it just depends on what happens with Dean. But I’m sure that he’ll take it with both hands like Jai has.”
Of course, Rovers are set for a spine change after Arthur Mourgue broke his thumb in the derby. Peters has already confirmed Ryan Hampshire will step up in the half-back role against the Bulls.
“We have just got to adapt,” Peters said. “It’s not ideal when you lose your spine players – they are a major part of your team, but what we want to do is be able to not look too different to what it normally looks like.
“That’s why you have a pre-season and you split the teams up and you put different combinations together so they get used to the situation when it’s their turn to step up. That’s how we do it.”
Peters is also challenging his leaders to step up against the Bulls, with the likes of Tyrone May, Elliot Minchella, Tom Amone, et al, impressing at Hull FC.
“It’s very encouraging,” the head coach added. “When you’re going through some challenging times, it’s your leaders that need to step up and stand up and I thought they did last week.
“I was really happy with the way they led last week through some challenging stages. Different things were being said about the club and the team and individuals and they stood up.
“We’ve got to do it again this week. We need to make sure that we’re consistent now with our approach and our prep, and more importantly, what we do in the game. But yeah, you can only ask your leaders to step up when time gets challenging and they certainly did that.”