Hull KR are turning to youth tonight as Willie Peters prepares to throw a host of youngsters into the Super League deep end against Wigan Warriors – and the head coach wants them to seize their big chance.
As many as six young guns could make their first-team debuts at the Brick Community Stadium in Round 25, with Peters forced into wholesale changes amid injury concerns and a hectic schedule that has taken its toll on his established stars.
Cobie Wainhouse, Declan Murphy, Frankie Dearlove, Alfie Woods, Ryan Westerman and Flynn Holden could all make their debuts after being named in the travelling squad.
Harvey Horne could also make his Super League debut, having already made his senior bow for the Robins in their club-record 104-0 Challenge Cup third-round win over Lock Lane in February.
It could also be 21-year-old Zach Fishwick’s first senior appearance for the club since the 2022 season.
“There’s no expectation other than giving their best, that’s what we can control. That’s what we ask of them, and they’ll do the club proud,” head coach Peters said, looking ahead.
“They know what we’re about as a team as a club, and I’m excited for them as individuals, especially those making their debuts. It’s going to be a special time for them and their families.”
Arthur Mourgue, Sauaso Sue, Tom Amone, Jack Broadbent, Rhyse Martin, Sam Luckley, Karl Lawton, Noah Booth and Bill Leyland have all been included, while Lee Kershaw could also mark his Hull KR Super League debut.
Jack Charles has also been included following his appearance in the defeat to Toulouse Olympique, with Rovers set for a new-look spine after just one training session on the field in preparation for the contest – their Captain’s Run.
Experienced centre Oliver Gildart failed to complete the club’s Captain’s Run on Wednesday.
“It’ll be the first time a lot of them will play together in the spine,” Peters added.
“We’ll see how it goes. It’s not going to be as fluent as our normal spine looks like, but I know they’ll connect as well as they can and I saw that at training (on Wednesday).
“Go and play with freedom, and show why you’ve been given the opportunity. A lot of players coming through now understand what it takes and means to be a Hull KR player, and I know they’ll do the club proud and put their all in.
“We’ll see where that takes us, but it’s a special time, particularly for the debutants, but for the other guys that haven’t played too often as well.”