There’s a well worn manager/head coach trope that is common parlance in pretty much any sport where there’s a league competition to challenge for. You know the one, the old “we’re not looking at the league table” quip.

I don’t ever believe anyone who says that! Even after the opening game fans are looking at where their team sit in the table, so once a season is properly up and running it’s near on impossible to avoid at least having a cursory glance at the league standings. Doing so right now will certainly bring a smile to the face of anyone associated with Hull KR.

The Robins have sat top of the perch since the opening weeks of the campaign and while there’s every chance they start Saturday night’s game at home to Huddersfield Giants dethroned and in second place, the look of the league table could be even better come the end of round 11.

Those last four words are key and should be considered in what follows, given there is still just under two thirds of the regular league season to play over the next four months. However, there’s every possibility Rovers will end the weekend with a two point lead at the top of the table, but perhaps even more important is the fact they could be five points clear of third place.

I say perhaps because some supporters may have the league leaders shield in mind when considering second-placed Wigan Warriors’ game at home to third-placed Leigh Leopards. Others will have the advantage of being five points clear on third and therefore looking very strong for a home berth in the play-offs as the most important, with ultimately returning to the Grand Final and then winning it the priority.

Regardless of your stance, a return of 20 points from 11 games would put Willie Peters’ side in a commanding position at this stage of the season and helps build on the confidence that everyone has worked so hard to foster since those first days of pre-season.

First Rovers need to ensure they win. Hull FC’s surprise defeat to Huddersfield Giants at Magic Weekend proved the west Yorkshire club are not there to be walked over and Rovers will have to approach them with respect and the correct attitude to get the game won.

The Giants will be a different outfit to the one that was easily swept aside 50-4 by the Robins in round six at the John Smith’s Stadium. Adam Clune’s return is massive for the Giants, who could well give a first run out to ex-Rovers man George King after his injury problems. Huddersfield head coach Luke Robinson may still have troops missing, but his side are looking stronger with each week and while massive underdogs, they’ll look to cause an upset at Craven Park.

What offers so much confidence around Rovers is not just that Arthur Mourgue’s return and Noah Booth’s presence give options to aid the club’s own centre/back-row woes at the minute, but mainly that this is a side who have shown week in and week out they have a champions mindset when it comes to finding a way to getting the job done. I see no reason that doesn’t continue this week.

The post Hull KR in line for early Grand Final boost as Rovers mindset leaves Huddersfield a giant hurdle appeared first on Where In Hull.

Hull KR’s pre-season trip to Amsterdam next year is under review after securing a place on the Las Vegas billing in 2026. Rovers’ place in the Sin City spectacle was confirmed earlier this week, taking on Leeds Rhinos at the Allegiant Stadium next February.

However, their trip to Vegas, as well as other contributing factors, has now left the club considering whether another pre-season game on the road is viable next year.

Rovers made inroads in Amsterdam last year, engaging with numerous schools, many that had never heard of rugby league before, while community clubs also benefitted from times spent with the club’s foundation. But a change to the Super League schedule next year, coupled with their Vegas trip and annual pre-season training camp, leaves Rovers in a tricky position when trying to accommodate a return to the Netherlands.

“We’re very conscious that we want it to continue and it is definitely our first choice to do so,” CEO Paul Lakin said when discussing plans for Amsterdam. “What we have to consider is the extra tight calendar for next season because we understand that the season will start two weeks earlier due to the World Cup at the end of 2026 and our winter training camp is an essential element for us in the off season.

“Therefore, coming back and having only a couple of weekends where we need to have a first team friendly and then that leaves only one weekend where we could potentially go to Amsterdam. We could well do that but we’ve just got to think about our scheduling with Vegas being in February also. So it’s still up for consideration. We would like to do it. We’ve just got to consider the impact of such a busy schedule”

Another factor is the financial demands on supporters wanting to support the club’s ventures, with two overseas trips naturally coming at a cost to fans.

“We’ve got to take into account. January is generally a month where people are cash-strapped after Christmas so we’ve just got to factor in all of these things,” added Lakin. “We’re conscious that it was a big success last year, very conscious that our foundation spent weeks in the schools before the event and we don’t want to drop that. But we’ve got to balance that off with all the other things we’ve just discussed.”

The post Paul Lakin explains Hull KR’s 2026 conundrum as Amsterdam question raised amid Super League change appeared first on Where In Hull.

New Hull KR signing Jumah Sambou has been ruled out for the rest of the season – with a serious injury confirmed.

The outside back will join the Robins next season on a three-year deal, as first revealed by All Out Rugby League. However, the 23-year-old will do so after a lengthy rehabilitation process following surgery to correct a gruesome hamstring tear.

Scans have revealed a serious tear to the muscle, with two-thirds of the tendons coming off the bone. The injury occurred during last week’s Championship game against Toulouse Olympique.

Oldham head coach Sean Long aired his thoughts on the ‘horrific’ tackle that has sidelined Sambou, with the former St Helens young gun, who has scored 10 tries in 10 games for the Roughyeds, now set for a lengthy spell in the treatment room.

“It’s a shame for Jumah, and I am absolutely devastated for him,” Long said of the player’s injury. He’s come back from that suspension, and now he is going to miss the rest of the season.

“It was a horrific tackle. I feel for Jumah with what he is going through at the moment, and I just hope the lads get behind him and the staff will look after him in what is hopefully a speedy recovery.”

Sambou’s latest blow is the second long-term setback of his young career. He missed the majority of last season with an ACL injury but started the 2025 season in good form before his suspension – a form that made the Robins make a move for the talented youngster. Long, meanwhile, believes the experience of that injury will help the player in his latest challenge.

“He has had a couple of injuries before but has come back stronger,” Long continued. “He has been in this situation before, and we will do everything right to get him back on the field. We will rally around him and make sure he is happy.”

Sambou is the second Oldham player to be ruled out for the season after fellow centre Iain Thornley suffered an ACL injury. Jordan Turner is also out with a knee issue.

The post New Hull KR signing ruled out for season after ‘horrific’ tackle appeared first on Where In Hull.

Willie Peters has praised Jai Whitbread for his latest versatility after his fresh stint in the back-row, while also confirming that Oliver Gildart will be sidelined for the next four months due to injury.

The 28-year-old centre, who had been enjoying a superb season, recently underwent surgery after suffering a meniscal blow during Magic Weekend’s win over Salford Red Devils. As a result, he is set to miss a significant portion of the campaign.

Gildart’s absence saw James Batchelor slot into the centres, where he scored twice as Hull KR secured their place in the Challenge Cup final over Catalans Dragons. With Noah Booth and Arthur Mourgue cup-tied, Jack Broadbent also impressed again at full-back, bagging two tries at York’s LNER Community Stadium.

The reshuffle extended to the forward pack as well, with usual interchange prop Whitbread featuring in the back-row. Papua New Guinea international Rhyse Martin is currently sidelined until the end of June.

“I thought he played well,” Peters said of Whitbread.

“In terms of our depth, we had Batchelor out at one stage, and obviously Rhyse. We had to manufacture a back-rower and tried a couple of different options.

“We did it with Matty Storton last year, and he became a really key member of our team. He wasn’t known as a back-rower. Jai has similar qualities to Matty – whenever he’s on the field, he gives his all.

“He’s willing to learn, to adapt, and most importantly, he’ll play wherever the team needs him. You want characters like that. Matty had that mindset last year, and Jai’s showing it this year.”

That same adaptability may be required again in three weeks’ time, when Hull KR face Warrington Wolves at Wembley in the Challenge Cup final.

“With the cup, because we’ve got players cup-tied, we’ll need to make some changes,” Peters added. “We need depth – players who not only fill in, but take on a role. I thought Jai did that on the weekend.”

On the loss of Gildart – who has scored six tries and set up five more in Super League, arguably his best form for Hull KR – Peters commented: “It’s a massive blow for him and the team. He’s had surgery and now faces a long recovery.

“We’re looking at a four-month timeline. He’s only just had the operation, so everything’s still fresh for him. It has all happened quite quickly. Right now, his overall wellbeing is what matters most. We’ll support him, just like we always do.”

Hull KR return to Super League action on Saturday with a home tie against Huddersfield Giants, who recently picked up their first win of the campaign at Newcastle’s St James’ Park over Hull FC.

The post Hull KR forward rises to fresh challenge as Oliver Gildart’s worst injury fears realised appeared first on Where In Hull.

Willie Peters has admitted he would one day like to coach in the NRL, following speculation linking him to the competition’s newest franchise, the Perth Bears. However, the Hull KR head coach remains focused on his current role, having just guided his team to a third major final in as many years.

The Australian was recently floated as a surprise candidate to lead the NRL’s incoming expansion team, set to join the competition in 2027. NRL journalist David Riccio suggested Peters is well-suited to a head coaching role back in his home country.

“There’s a smokey, and I think it’s Willie Peters. He has the stocks and the goods to be an NRL coach,” Riccio said on the Vossy and Brandy Breakfast Show.

Other Super League names reportedly under consideration include Brad Arthur and Sam Burgess, with the former out of contract at Leeds Rhinos at the end of 2025.

Speaking at his weekly press conference, Peters acknowledged his long-term ambition to coach in the NRL, while reaffirming his commitment to Hull KR, where he is contracted until the end of 2028.

“It’s out of my control,” Peters responded after being asked about the speculation. “I’ve always said at some stage, if an opportunity comes up, then I’d like to coach in the NRL.

“But my focus is on what I’m doing now, and making sure we’re getting ready for the Challenge Cup final in three weeks time but more importantly, a game on Saturday. That’s the most important thing to me.

“Like I say, at some stage, if an opportunity comes up, I’d certainly look at it. It’s something that I’d love to do, and people internally know that. But my focus is on what I’m doing now.”

The Rovers will take on Warrington Wolves in the Challenge Cup final on Saturday, June 7, with Peters aiming to end the club’s trophy-drought.

He added: “We’ve got an opportunity to win something. That’s our goal. Nothing’s changed in that regard.”

The post Willie Peters responds after Hull KR boss tipped as shock contender for NRL role appeared first on Where In Hull.

Hull KR have made a habit of getting their transfer dealings done early in recent years, this cycle has been no different. We’re only nicely settled into May but already, Rovers have completed a number of deals and even got some players earlier than expected.

Noah Booth and Arthur Mourgue, both 2026 targets, have arrived at the club earlier than expected. Beyond that, they have already announced the signings of Tom Amone and Jumah Sambou for next year, while Connor Wynne is also expected to join the club next year.

That leaves the Robins already well down the track with plans for next year, with very little movement expected here on out.

Of course, there is one significant piece of the puzzle that still needs to be locked in and that’s at halfback. Tyrone May is off-contract at the end of the season and his future is still unclear. While Rovers aren’t completely ruling out an extended stay at the club, they are pursuing external options too and among them is Lachlan Lam, a player they have made enquiries about with the Leigh Leopards halfback off-contract at the end of the season.

There are other options on the market, such as Chad Townsend and Kieran Foran. But for now, Rovers are looking at younger halfbacks who can fill any void left by May and with Lam only 27, he is seen as a better fit from that perspective.

Rovers still have their ears to the ground on other options though. The NRL market tends to pick up at this time of year and that could result in more options becoming available that could be of interest to the Robins. For now, they are working through May’s future and potential interest from Lam’s side.

Beyond that, it’s unlikely that Rovers will do any further significant business.

With a lot of the club’s younger players off-contract at the end of the season, they are still looking at the under 23s market for any potential recruits. Rovers have dipped into that market a lot in recent times with Eribe Doro, Bill Leyland, Ajahni Wallace, Jack Broadbent, Leon Ruan, Jack Brown and Noah Booth all falling into that category when signed previously. Sambou is another signed young while Wynne is only 24.

For Rovers, it’s a strategic plan that hinges around player development. While the club has openly identified the need to start producing more of their own homegrown players, signing players young helps to plug that shortcoming from a salary cap perspective and having a young batch of players in the squad gives time to the club’s next group of rising youngsters.

At youth level, Rovers’ Academy side is showing real promise and there is hope that a number of those players will work up the pathway and into first team, with results over the last 12 months showcasing their potential.

In summary, Rovers’ recruitment work for 2026 is largely done, with key players retained and many players already signed. Once the halfback situation is sorted, they could well be done, unless a young option emerges.

The post Hull KR recruitment update with Lachlan Lam situation addressed appeared first on Where In Hull.

Hull KR star Jared Waerea-Hargreaves hasn’t played at Wembley since breaking English hearts 12 years ago.

But the iconic prop, part of the New Zealand side who stunned England in an epic 2013 World Cup semi-final, is heading back there with the rampant Robins.

He helped the Super League leaders defeat Catalans 36-12 in Saturday’s Challenge Cup semi-final.

That set up a Wembley date against Warrington – who edged Leigh in their semi-final – on June 7.

And memories of his last Wembley visit, when Kiwi team-mate Shaun Johnson weaved through with just 21 seconds remaining for a converted try to snatch a famous 20-18 victory, are a little sketchy.

Waerea-Hargreaves, 36, said: “I was actually on the touchline concussed.

“But it was some brilliance there by Shaun that won it.

“I sort of remember it as I left the game early on and didn’t come back on – that was one tough game.

“But [England captain] Kevin Sinfield rushed him and he went on his left foot step, stepped past Kevin and went over.

“It doesn’t matter how you get the win, as long as you’re there. You win one point, 10 points, 30 points, you’ll take it and we’re there to win.

“It’ll be some occasion. It’s exciting. It’s why you work so hard.”

Waerea-Hargreaves retires at the end of the season – his first campaign in Super League since joining from Sydney Roosters.

And there’d be no better way to bow out than helping KR win their first major trophy in 40 years.

He said: “I woke up on Saturday morning to my son singing ‘Red, Red Robin’, which is kind of cool.

“What this club means has definitely sunk into my family.

“The support we get each week, whether it’s home or away, can definitely be felt.

“And going for that trophy is a great challenge. It’s why I came here, to challenge myself but to be honest, I don’t think about me.

“I care about the team. I care about the club. I’m here to do a job, and that’s to perform and turn up every day with the right attitude.”

And does Waerea-Hargreaves, who won three NRL Grand Finals in his decorated career, see a side who are ready to finally make that last, crucial step after falling just short in last year’s Grand Final and the 2023 Challenge Cup final?

He said: “I see a really motivated squad. There have been a few conversations this year. I’ve noticed how motivated they are since day one in November.

“This club has been nothing but great since I came here so the least I can do is get out there and try perform as hard as I can.

“We’ve still got three games to play before then [Wembley]. We’ll try to keep as healthy and fit as possible and look forward to an amazing experience.”

The post Hull KR Jared Waerea-Hargreaves makes surprise Wembley admission appeared first on Where In Hull.

Hull KR try-scorer James Batchelor says his side were ready to deal with Catalans Dragons’ physical approach in their Challenge Cup semi-final. Willie Peters’ side prospered 36-12 in Saturday’s clash with the French outfit to secure their place at Wembley on June 7.

Catalans, whose boss Steve McNamara was left seething about the referee’s control of the contest, seemed intent on riling them early on with a series of off-the-ball skirmishes in the opening encounters.

Tevita Pangai Junior had a running battle with Robins prop Sauaso Sue which even spilled over onto the sidelines after they had both been replaced. But ex-England second-row Elliot Whitehead also got involved in an early exchange with KR skipper Elliot Minchella as Catalans appeared to try and antagonise the Super League leaders.

Batchelor, who scored two first half tries in the win, insisted: “They’re just a physical team. They’ve got a lot of players who want to win the physical battles, which is what rugby’s about and we knew we were going to have to be on it and deal with that.

“We knew it would come in and that we could get them at the back end if we did that and that’s how it worked out.”

KR only led 16-12 at the break but powered clear in the second period to set up a second Challenge Cup final appearance in just three years. They will face the winners of today’s other semi-final between Leigh Leopards and Warrington Wolves.

England Knights second-row Batchelor, who featured when Rovers lost the 2023 final to Leigh in golden point extra-time, played at centre again in Peters’ rejigged side. With full-back Arthur Mourgue Cup-tied and ex-England centre Oli Gildart facing four months out with a knee injury, Jack Broadbent switched to No1.

Batchelor, 27, moved from back-row to centre which he has occasional done before but never looked out of place. He said: “I’ve not played there too much, probably when I was eight or nine, I probably played a bit of centre back then.

“I was back-row at Wakefield and started moving my way in. And they always say you can work your way in, but you can’t work your way back out – but I’m finding my way out of this somehow!”

Broadbent, who also scored twice versus Catalans in a man-of-the-match display, would be an obvious replacement for Gildart at centre in Super League. Batchelor, who has scored four tries this term and all in the last three games, has played there just twice this term.

Asked if he would be willing to put his hand up there for the rest of the season if needed, he said: “If that’s what it needs, I’ll do it. Whatever’s needed, whether it’s further in or further out, I’ll do whatever this team wants.”

The post How Hull KR’s game plan perfectly paid off to get better of Catalan Dragons appeared first on Where In Hull.

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.”

The post Hull KR’s little-discussed run perfect for Challenge Cup test as captain explains ‘biggest game’ appeared first on Where In Hull.

Covering Hull KR has been something of a monotonous task this year. It’s nothing to do with the style of rugby, the often predictable outcome of their fixtures or a lack of atmosphere. Moreover, I find myself wishing away games until the biggies arrive.

Every post-match debrief ends up alluding to the fact Rovers have done nothing until they win silverware. It’s unfair to overlook their ability to win week after week, but knocking off teams one by one doesn’t feel significant, even though they are needed to give any side a chance of realising trophy ambitions. Logically, it makes no sense, but it’s something fans will be able to relate to as well.

Because everyone is bored of hearing the narrative that Rovers have to win a trophy. Everyone is aware of it, everyone acknowledges it, but no matter what they do, nobody will truly validate them until they win a big one. But that narrative has been around for a while now, and it has become tedious, even though it’s a fair take.

Rovers can move one step further to bringing that narrative to an end when they play Catalans Dragons this weekend in a Challenge Cup semi-final. There’s no need to explain the importance of this game or talk up the necessity of victory, everyone in the game can identify it. Rovers just have to go and do it.

They are more than capable and if there’s one thing you can take from what we have seen of them so far this year, they are as well-equipped to win these games as they ever have been. Physically, they are as good as we’ve ever seen them, in attack, they’re scoring points for fun but when the big games have come about so far this season, they’ve shown an ability to take their game to another level.

Their management of the two Hull derbies were excellent, when the chips were down they delivered against Leeds Rhinos and they won top-of-the-table clashes earlier in the season against St Helens and Leigh Leopards in dominant fashion. Even in defeat to Wigan Warriors, their only reverse of the season so far, they showed a steel that suggested they were ready to win trophies.

They’ve gone up a gear when they’ve needed to and that offers confidence ahead of their game against Catalans, who come in as underdogs after a relatively average season so far. They boast a 50 per cent record in Super League and their path to the last four of the cup has seen them beat two part-time opponents and Salford Red Devils, who are bottom of the league after all their well-documented struggles.

But to dismiss Catalans would be foolish. On paper, they have a fantastic side with some genuine superstars not only of Super League but the sport as a whole. If and when they click into gear, they will be formidable and Rovers have to prepare with the expectation they come good here. The Dragons will be without Sam Tomkins, a blow that would hurt any team, but they are still more than capable.

Even if Rovers knock this game off, the same narrative will exist and be discussed for the month leading up to Wembley. This is an opportunity to move one step closer to finally putting it to bed.

The post Hull KR are hard to watch but Rovers can change that in one simple way appeared first on Where In Hull.