Hull KR coach Chris Chester admits that he was a “nervous wreck” when he played in the Challenge Cup Final with Hull ten years ago – and says he’s determined to ensure the same doesn’t happen to his players.
Chester played during FC’s win against Leeds in 2005 and, ahead of him coaching KR against the Rhinos on Saturday, Chester said he wants to try and keep his squad relaxed and ensure they don’t freeze on the big stage.
“Looking back as a player, I was a bit of a nervous wreck,” he said. “I don’t want that to happen to these boys.
“We’ve drawn on a lot of experience from ex-players that won the cup back in 1980 and they really motivated the boys leading up to the semi-final and quarter-final and we’ll pretty much do the same.
“I’m a lot more relaxed as a coach. It’s important I keep these guys relaxed as well and keep everything as normal as possible.
“We know how big an occasion it is and we don’t want to be like rabbits in headlights. I’m confident we won’t be. We’re going to go there and enjoy ourselves and play a brand of rugby we’ve played all season.”
