As relaxed as you can be with a microphone in front of you, Hull KR captain Elliot Minchella cuts a very comfortable figure as he discusses an impending Challenge Cup semi-final. Among the hustle and bustle of the LNER Community Stadium reception, which also serves as a café and leisure centre entrance, the hive of activity passes by unnoticed as the Rovers loose-forward addresses the challenge that lies ahead.
Given it’s Hull KR’s fourth successive Challenge Cup semi-final, a club that played in a Grand Final too last season is more than accustomed to these type of big media days by now. There’s a familiarity to it all, even more so when recent weeks are taken into account.
Battle-hardened on the field by what has transpired so far this season in a campaign which currently has them top of the tree in Super League, mentally Hull KR couldn’t be in any better shape either for the test that awaits them. The Robins have experienced a month unlike no other and it’s left them in the best possible condition. It’s a fact not lost on Minchella, as he readies himself for yet another big occasion.
“For the last six weeks every game has been big, they’ve all felt significant and that’s in our favour,” explains Minchella, with an air of measured confidence.
“We have had two derby games, Wigan at home, Leeds away which felt like a semi-final to be honest at a packed Headingley. We won it tough in a really tough game. Then we had Magic Weekend with all the outside noise and media, which is great, and it prepares you for weeks like this with a semi-final because it’s not your average game.
“The proof will be in the pudding Saturday come 5pm, but it feels like we’ve had ideal prep for this match and everything we’ve had of late has got us ready for it.”
Preparation is a word that befits Hull KR so well. No corners are cut, nothing left to chance and creative thinking helps drive opportunities like this week. With the advantage of the crowd being overly partisan given the nature of opponent in Catalans Dragons, York’s LNER Stadium will look like a home ground for Rovers on Saturday afternoon.
The Robins have strived to ensure it feels like a home ground too. The entire squad and coaching staff spent the day at the stadium this week, training on the pitch, using the changing rooms, gym and facilities as they normally would at Craven Park three days out from a game. It was all part of making sure the players feel comfortable in the surroundings, knowing the inner workings behind the scenes so that Saturday looks, and more importantly feels, like a home game.
“It is unique, having a semi-final where your home fans take over the stadium,” adds Minchella. “We want to make York feel like it is our home. Our fans are bonkers, they travel anywhere and this isn’t too far for them to come, so hopefully we send them all home smiling.”
The LNER Stadium may feel familiar to Rovers, but the scenario of little to no support on enemy territory will feel equally familiar to Steve McNamara’s Dragons. Always with a sense of being an unwanted guest at a party, Catalans will arrive in York determined to spoil proceedings. Rovers know all too well what they’ll be getting from the French club, but it’s a challenge that excites Minchella.
“Catalans are used to having their backs to the wall on every away game, it’s what happens in their bubble that matters and I understand their approach,” concludes the KR captain. “That’s a good approach for them to have as a club, everything is against them in terms of logistics, travel, lack of fans at away games.
“They’re a quality side though, just look at what they’ve done over the years. Last year I thought they underachieved. They’ve started up and down this year but they’re a quality side.
“The majority of games are pack dominated and for us this is a massive challenge, probably the biggest one of the year for us so far. It’s the same for them as well and they’ll probably think the same, but we know this is the biggest challenge for us this year so far.”