Hull KR are set to welcome back a host of key stars for the penultimate game of the regular Super League season against Huddersfield Giants.
Head coach Willie Peters was forced into major changes for the Round 25 trip to Wigan Warriors, with his squad feeling the effects of a relentless schedule.
The Robins have not had a weekend off in two years and had also just completed four games in 14 days before travelling to the Brick Community Stadium.
Frankie Dearlove, Alfie Woods and Harvey Horne all made their Super League debuts in the 46-0 defeat, while Declan Murphy made his first competitive appearance for the club following his move from Salford ahead of 2026.
Lee Kershaw also made his first Super League appearance for Hull KR, producing a display that impressed head coach Peters.
But the Robins are set for a major boost ahead of Friday’s clash with Huddersfield, which is also likely to be their final home game of 2026 at Sewell Group Craven Park.
“A few players are back this week, which is good. We had some guys train today,” Peters said.
“We’ll look further into the week to make sure they’re okay, but there’s a few back this week, which is good.
“A fair few players come back. Dean Hadley will be back, Elliot Minchella will be back, Joe Burgess and Peta Hiku. Tyrone May got through the session today – he didn’t do it all, but he’s on track as well.
“Oliver Gildart got through today, so if he gets through the captain’s run, he’ll be okay.
“James Batchelor (hamstring) will still be out, and Ryan Hampshire broke his wrist, so there’s a couple there that will be out.”
Peters is hoping to see the benefits of a short break for his returning stars immediately against the Giants, with Hull KR travelling to St Helens for their final regular-season fixture.
The Robins currently sit sixth in the play-off race, two points clear of St Helens and four points adrift of a home play-off eliminator.
That makes Friday’s clash potentially the final home game of Hull KR’s 2026 campaign.
St Helens travel to Leigh Leopards this week.
“I want to see the benefits this week, that’s the purpose,” Peters said.
“It’s making sure that the players are ready to go this week. This is the most important game of the year for us, and I’m looking forward to it.
“There’s still some guys that didn’t do the full session. We need to make sure they get through the captain’s run, but there’s no doubt there’s been a buzz at training today (Tuesday).
“Everyone had a few days off, and you can see they’ve given themselves a break and come back with a spring in their step.
“We win this game, and we’re in the six. If we don’t, we’re fighting to survive in the six. I always talk about our next game being our most important, and there’s two reasons.
“It’s also our last game here. It’s important that we finish the year strong. Potentially, we could still make it (a home play-off), but when you’re relying on opposition teams, it’s more than likely it’s not going to happen.
“It’s important we finish our last home game at Craven Park with a strong performance, because we haven’t done that the last two times we’ve been here.”