21 March 2023 , 20:57
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Disgruntled Hull KR boss Willie Peters will be “disappointed” if any of his players get injured due to Wakefield’s controversial pitch.
He admits still having major concerns about Belle Vue’s new hybrid surface despite an independent inspector giving it the green light. Friday’s Super League game will go ahead but it’s the second time the pitch has needed to pass such an inspection in a matter of weeks. Catalans raised complaints after seven of their players suffered infected leg wounds from their game there on February 17.
And Huddersfield aired fears before it was deemed fit to be used for their contest on March 3. But Peters said: "Some comments were made that the pitch was okay for the Huddersfield game – no it wasn’t. It was mentioned by people afterwards that were involved in the game that it wasn't okay.
"You can't be that naive when you've got all the photos of legs not in good shape. As a coach, I expressed my concerns. As a club, we wouldn't have had field inspections and gone through the process that we did if we didn't think there was an issue.”
Rovers’ own club groundsman and welfare manager visited Belle Vue last week and deemed the pitch unfit and they felt the same after a second look on Monday. The game was even taken off Sky Sports due to fears it might not go ahead but bottom-placed Trinity - still seeking a first win of the season - will host as planned. Peters said: "I'm not disappointed but there's no doubt if it is similar to what it has been and players end up with the injuries that I've seen, naturally then I'll be disappointed.
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Wakefield's pitch has passed another inspection (PA)"As a coach, you're concerned about the welfare of your players because that comes first. It's a brutal sport as it is. To see legs and skin taken off the way it was and players getting infected because of the pitch, we're in control of that. After seeing some images about what other players looked like and getting feedback from other coaches and general managers, you need to care and look after your players. I haven't gone fishing for it; people have contacted me knowing we're going to be playing on that pitch.
"That's why we've had two inspections to make sure the pitch is okay. You're not going to make a song and dance about something minor. We'll respect the decision that's been made and go there Friday to play."
Rovers have lost their last three games and will be without Frankie Halton, Jordan Abdull and Dean Hadley after all failed HIAs in Perpignan on Saturday. However, Kane Linnett, Matty Storton and Matt Parcell are set to return to action.