Willie Peters drops Bevan French prediction with clear Wembley message made.
Hull KR head coach Willie Peters speaks with media at Wembley during his side’s Captain’s Run.
Willie Peters is now fully expecting Wigan star Bevan French to line up in tomorrow’s Challenge Cup final – but insists Hull KR’s game plan will not change.
French, 30, was a shock inclusion in Matt Peet’s extended squad after initially being ruled out until the end of June with the torn hamstring he suffered against Toulouse Olympique in March.
But the electric Australian has now been given every chance of featuring under the famous Wembley arch – and Peters is preparing for exactly that.
French, the 2024 Lance Todd Trophy winner, joined Wigan’s squad as they soaked up the Wembley atmosphere on Friday afternoon before Hull KR completed their captain’s run in the capital.
“I didn’t expect him to be named based on previous reports – but I’m expecting him to play now,” Peters said after Friday’s light session.
“But we’ve got the same plan whether it’s Bevan there or Jack Farrimond. We’ll probably see both, but nothing changes for us.”
There remains a possibility that French starts from the interchange bench, with teenage half-back Farrimond poised to begin the biggest game of his career alongside England international Harry Smith.
But Peters insists Hull KR’s focus remains firmly on themselves as the Robins chase back-to-back Challenge Cup triumphs.
“I’m not too fussed – I think he’ll be there,” he added. “Our plan won’t change.”
Hull KR will be without Jai Whitbread, who misses the Wembley showdown due to the imminent arrival of his first child. The prop did not travel down to London with the squad on Thursday.
However, there is a major boost for Rovers with Dean Hadley declared fit after overcoming the hamstring issue he suffered in the Super League Round 12 win over a heavily-rotated Wigan side.