Hull KR are focused on the treble, not the talk.
Willie Peters hits back at doubters as Hull KR target Old Trafford return.
Hull KR are refusing to listen to the outside noise as they close in on a historic treble, with head coach Willie Peters firing back at critics after already securing two pieces of silverware this season.
The Robins host St Helens in the second semi-final, aiming for a swift return to Old Trafford and a chance to right the wrongs of last year’s 9-2 heartbreak defeat to Wigan Warriors – who went on to complete a Grand Slam.
Hull KR are now chasing their own slice of history with a treble firmly in their sights. Yet despite a season full of success, many continue to doubt their chances.
Their energy levels have been questioned following a congested campaign, in which they left it late to secure the League Leaders’ Shield. But the Robins ultimately earned a well-deserved weekend break – a timely boost ahead of the knockouts.
“They’re entitled to their opinion. But I want to know if they’re the same people who two months ago were saying Wigan wouldn’t win the competition,” Peters said.
“I’m a realist, I said on record Wigan would be fine – I knew where they would be at this stage. We’re all hungry, everyone has beaten everyone.
“At the end of the day, I’m comfortable either way. Some people will have an opinion and some will have it the other way. That’s fine.
“When you have so much belief internally and know where you want to go, the outside world doesn’t matter.”
Peters also took aim at the media narrative surrounding Hull KR’s physical condition – despite the side winning 22 of their 27 regular-season games and lifting the Challenge Cup at Wembley in June, with a dramatic 8-6 win over Warrington Wolves.
“Let’s be honest, you guys [media], you’ve led it too, about the energy levels and all that,” Peters continued.
“What I will say about it is that if you tell someone something enough, they start to believe it.
“If I say you look tired to you every day, at first you say you’re sweet. If I keep saying it every time I see you, you start questioning whether you’re tired. You start to believe it. We don’t let other people’s opinion dictate how we feel.
“We’re honest with ourselves and say this is where we’re at.”