Willie Peters has explained that a mounting injury list has forced him into a major Hull KR squad overhaul ahead of Thursday’s trip to Wigan Warriors, with influential back-rower James Batchelor among those facing spells on the sidelines.
Ryan Hampshire is also expected to miss the remainder of the regular season after undergoing surgery on the fractured wrist he suffered in Hull KR’s recent defeat to Toulouse Olympique.
Peters has named a youthful 21-player squad for the Round 25 clash at the Brick Community Stadium, with a number of debutants expected to take to the field.
The Hull KR head coach admitted last week that his side were feeling the effects of a hectic schedule, having played four games in 14 days and gone without a week off for two years.
Injuries have now forced further changes to his squad, with the Robins’ remaining regular-season fixtures coming against Huddersfield Giants and St Helens after the trip to Wigan.
“As I said after last week’s game, we had a few injuries and some players have played every minute of every game,” Peters told media on Wednesday.
“We’ve had some soft-tissue injuries, which we pride ourselves on not having. When loads can spike, there’s more risk of that.
“Dean Hadley has got a slight groin strain, so hopefully it’ll just be this week.
“James Batchelor will be about three weeks (with a hamstring injury).
“Ryan Hampshire will be about four weeks, he’s had his operation (on his fractured wrist).
“They (Tyrone May and Jai Whitbread) are still not right, and Oliver Gildart didn’t get through Captain’s Run.
“That’s where we’re at, at the moment. This is our fourth game in 14 days off the back of going to Vegas, playing in the World Club Challenge and playing at Wembley. It takes its toll, and it’s taken its toll now, unfortunately, and we just have to get through it and come out the other side.
“We’ll make sure they can freshen up for the back end.
“They’re all legit injuries, bar two or three. The ones who aren’t playing (but could) are still carrying something – Peta (Hiku), Tom (Davies) is bruised and battered after games, and so is Jez (Litten).
“Everyone else is carrying injuries where they can’t play. We need to get those right, and they need to get some fuel in that tank again because it’s certainly been emptied.
“It’s important they refresh themselves and get their injuries right.”
Willie Peters backs youth with training schedule revealed
Peters admitted that his side have only taken to the field once in preparation for the trip to Wigan, with the five-day turnaround limiting their time on the training pitch.
However, he is optimistic that the youngsters will represent Hull KR with pride and grasp their opportunity.
“We did the Captain’s Run (today), and that’s been it,” Peters revealed.
“Players had some time with their families. Yesterday (Tuesday) we went to York for a recovery session, had some lunch and a team meeting and prepared for this game at a hotel, and then we came together today for the Captain’s Run.
“Some players will be getting their debuts, and probably a little bit earlier than anticipated, but it’s a great opportunity for them.
“If they hold their own against a team like Wigan, it’s massive for them. All I ask is that they go out and do their best, and I know they will.”