Hull KR head coach Willie Peters spoke after his side’s win over Hull FC, offering an injury update before putting Super League on notice by claiming that star man Jez Litten will only get better and could play for ‘another ten years’.
The 27-year-old has had an incredible season to date but his form has taken a huge step in the past month as Hull KR close in on a maiden League Leaders Shield.
Understandably, that’s now put Litten bang in the frame to be the starting hooker for England at the Ashes and Sunday’s performance against Hull FC only added to that argument.
“He was outstanding, absolutely outstanding,” Willie Peters exclaimed post-match, before banging the drum about Litten’s consistency in 2025, something England coach Shaun Wane has made a key focus when it comes to selection.
“The biggest thing for Jez was to be more consistent this year and he knew that from feedback with Shaun (Wane) and I’ve certainly seen that this year.
“Him and Peta Hiku have probably been our most consistent players and what he did today, he was man of the match in my eyes and I think he got it on Sky as well. He was amazing.”
Serious About Rugby League launch new platform ahead of Super League play-offs
Jez Litten proves why Hull KR signed him to a new deal
Litten scored under the sticks with that try helping to settle any nerves at Craven Park, whilst his darting run and refusal to go down in the first-half saw four defenders out of position for the ensuing play, from which Hull KR scored the opener.
Contracted to 2027 anyway, Hull KR were taking no chances as they signed him to an extended deal until the end of the 2029 season last week and the 27-year-old celebrated that with his man of the match performance.
Continuing his assessment, Peters said: “I thought Tommy Davies was great today. He set our sets up with his carries in yardage but Jez stepped up and he’s going into his prime, and that’s why we wanted to keep him at the club long-term. He’s what we’re all about. He is a complete hooker.”
He will be 31 by the time his contract ends but Peters expects Litten to be able to play late into his 30s, whilst also promising that the best is yet to come.
The Australian said: “He’s 27 now so he can play for the next ten years and for me, his best is ahead. I think (his improvement/form) it’s him believing in himself a bit more and knowing the levels he can get to.
“Players don’t realise where their ceiling is. Jez and Mikey and players like that, when I first came over they thought their ceiling was somewhere and it’s actually a lot higher than what they thought then and Jez’ ceiling is a lot higher than what it is now.
“He’s just got to keep asking more for himself and he’ll reach the levels that we know he can.”
Joe Burgess injury update
Whilst Litten played a starring role in the derby win, one man who didn’t feature was winger Joe Burgess with young outside back Noah Booth replacing him.
Explaining why, Peters explained: “He hurt his calf or tightened his calf up yesterday (Saturday).
“He’s okay, he went for a scan but it was just best we thought that we’d rest him today.”
Hull KR fans shouldn’t worry though as Peters confirmed that Burgess ‘should be okay for next week’ with the Robins travelling to Wakefield on Saturday as they bid to secure the League Leaders Shield.
JEZZA 😮💨#UpTheRobins🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/Zav7hgAo5z
— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) September 7, 2025
