DESPITE his four-year reign at Hull KR ending on a disappointing note with a 35-12 defeat to Warrington Wolves, Willie Peters said he will look back on his tenure with pride.
Having delivered the treble last year, the departing head coach added a World Club Challenge triumph to his CV this year after toppling Brisbane, but the Robins were unable to enjoy any further success.
Defeated in the Challenge Cup final and now in the Super League play-offs, Peters insisted his side never gave up.
“The players fought until the end,” said the Robins boss.
“What has cost us this year has been around our discipline, and it showed tonight in areas again. I am still very proud of this group.
“The disappointing part is that what the score ended up being didn’t reflect the effort they put in, especially being down to twelve men.”
Looking back, Peters felt the heavy Challenge Cup final defeat to Wigan Warriors marked the point when his side’s fortunes began to turn.
“Up until Wembley, I thought we were really in a strong position after the start we had,” he explained.
“That was a performance we weren’t proud of at all. The week after we went to Wakefield which we lost at the end… probably after that we weren’t consistent and certain parts of our game we went away from.”
Early in the second half, the Robins were dealt with a major blow when Peta Hiku was shown the red card for a punch in one of a number of turning points of the game.
“They said that he clenched his fists. It wasn’t much, but if it is the rules, it is the rules,” said Peters.
“What I saw was a bit of a tap. If he has clenched his fists then he has done the wrong thing.”