Hard-hitting new chief Willie Peters admits he’s needed to tell some home truths to Hull KR stars.
The Australian gets a first look at his squad in match action when they play in Craig Hall’s testimonial at Featherstone on Friday. Many of their big names like captain Shaun Kenny-Dowall, ex-St Helens full-back Lachlan Coote and England winger Ryan Hall won’t be risked. But plenty of first-team players get a run out - and many with a point to prove.
One-cap England stand-off Jordan Abdull returns after missing eight months with a quad injury and he leads the side in Kenny-Dowall’s absence. But former Bradford forward Matty Storton takes over the captaincy for the second period having had a “heart to heart” with the incoming coach in pre-season.
Ex-South Sydney and Newcastle Knights assistant Peters, 43, admitted: “I’ve had those with most players, just around what I was seeing in their performances last year. There was no competition around spots last year - a lot because of injuries - and peoples’ positions weren’t on the line week to week. Whereas this year we do have a healthy competition. It’s a reminder to the players around my non-negotiables and what they are.
“With Matt (Storton), we had a good heart-to-heart early days around what I saw. It was a pretty honest conversation about getting himself in the best shape possible. He agreed with a lot of things and has himself in really good condition now. He’s put himself in a really strong position. I’m looking forward to seeing him play and he’s earned the right to lead the guys out in the second half.”
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NRL star Tom Opacic will debut and ex-Wigan scrum-half Peters feels wintry conditions at Championship club Featherstone will be ideal to give the centre a real taste of what rugby league’s like in the UK. He recalled: “I remember playing a game 22 years ago in Sheffield.
Hull KR in action against Wigan Warriors last year (PA)"It proved a really good grounding for me about what the game was like over here. And that’s why I want certain players playing in this one. Featherstone’s a real traditional ground: a really hostile crowd with really passionate fans and atmosphere. It’ll be good for Tom to see.
Meanwhile, city rivals Hull FC have named Carlos Tuimavave, 31, as their new captain following Luke Gale's exit to Keighley. And champions Leeds have pulled off a major coup by signing England star Amy Hardcastle from Women’s Super League rivals St Helens. The strong-running centre, 33, was one of England’s top performers in the World Cup.
Rhinos have become the first WSL club to pay players and Hardcastle admitted: “What they are doing for the Women’s team is exciting. I have spoken to a lot of the girls when I have been in England training and they all have positive things to say about Leeds.”
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