Will Bill Leyland keep his spot for Catalans Dragons this week? Willie Peters has made an early call.
Hull KR’s Bill Leyland scores a try against Huddersfield Giants in the Challenge Cup.
Willie Peters urged Bill Leyland to seize his opportunity against his first Super League opposition of the year – and the Hull KR head coach was left impressed by the youngster’s display against Huddersfield Giants in the Challenge Cup.
The 23-year-old hooker came off the bench at the Accu Stadium and marked his moment by scoring the first try of the second half as Rovers powered into the quarter-finals with a commanding 52-12 result.
Hull KR were dominant against an injury-ravaged Huddersfield side missing 15 first-team players. Even when Taane Milne briefly cut the deficit to 12-6 midway through the first half, the Robins immediately hit back through Peta Hiku and eventually ran in nine tries in a one-sided fourth round clash.
Peters was delighted with Leyland’s response after handing him the chance.
“We’ve got three hookers at the club and we wanted to make sure Bill was ready to go when called up – and he was ready against Huddersfield. He took his opportunity,” Peters said.
“He wasn’t happy with a missed tackle towards the end but I like that because it shows he cares and values the most important thing for us, which is defence.
“Overall, I was pleased with what he did.”
Leyland made 12 appearances during his debut season with Rovers last year and stepped into the squad this week with Karl Lawton suspended.
And after impressing against Huddersfield, he looks set to keep his spot for this weekend’s trip to Catalans Dragons.
Hull KR kick-started their Super League season with a 32-6 win over the Giants six days before the Challenge Cup tie and now head to Perpignan to face Joel Tomkins’ Dragons, who have won two of their opening four games.
“I’d say Bill has held his spot for next week,” Peters confirmed.
“I want to give players opportunities when I can. Bill got his chance against Huddersfield and I don’t see why he won’t keep that next week.”