Hull KR’s goals are clear heading into today’s clash with Catalans Dragons.
Hull KR take on Catalans Dragons in Super League Round Five.
Hull KR know they’ll have to be at their best if they want to leave Perpignan with two points later today – and an injury could hand off-season signing Tom Whitehead another chance to shine.
The Robins finally kick-started their Super League season with a win over Huddersfield Giants in round four before steamrolling into the Challenge Cup quarter-finals at the Accu Stadium with a commanding 52-12 victory.
Four days later, they headed to the south of France to face Joel Tomkins’ Catalans Dragons, who’ve started their campaign with two wins from four under the watch of the former Wigan Warriors, Hull KR and England back-rower.
Rovers impact forward Jai Whitbread admitted it’s nice to be back in a routine after one of the most chaotic starts to a season in recent memory.
“There’s obviously been a lot going on to start the season, so it’s good to get back into some rhythm,” said Whitbread, who could celebrate his 100th Super League appearance this weekend.
“We’ve rested, recovered, and now we’re looking forward to Catalans. It’s going to be a tough game, but we’ll prepare hard and go over there to hopefully take another step forward.”
The Aussie also hailed new team-mate Whitehead after his standout performance against the Giants, opening the scoring before Hull KR ran in eight more tries against Luke Robinson’s side.
Off-season signing Whitehead, 23, could be handed another chance in Perpignan with fellow back-rower Rhyse Martin sidelined for a month with a broken foot. Forwards Jack Brown and Jordan Dezaria have also been named in the extended squad, desperate for their own opportunities.
“I thought Tommy did great,” Whitbread said of the cup fourth round heroics.
“All those effort areas we pride ourselves on – he nailed them. He carried hard, coped with a cut, and kept going. He did himself and the jersey proud. I was really happy for him.”
Meanwhile, head coach Willie Peters believes this weekend’s tough test in France will reveal more about his side after back-to-back wins over an injury-hit Huddersfield. The hosts were without 15 first-team players for the Challenge Cup tie due to injury, while another was cup-tied.
Hull KR’s goals this weekend are clear: build momentum and come away with the competition points.
“This is an important game for us,” Peters declared. “I see this as a game to see where we’re at, how much improvement we’ve had since the game in Vegas.
“Looking at the games against Huddersfield and our training sessions, I believe we are improving and we’re heading in the right direction.
“But playing and performing well gives you the best indicator.”