WILLIE PETERS has defended his decision to field an inexperienced team against Wigan Warriors tomorrow night, claiming ‘genuine injuries’ has decimated his Hull KR side.
The likes of Tom Davies, Peta Hiku, Joe Burgess, Jez Litten, Dean Hadley, James Batchelor and Elliot Minchella have not been included in the Robins’ preliminary squad, with Cobie Wainhouse and Declan Murphy among six youngsters in contention to debut.
Peters’ decision to rejig his side has caused some controversy, with Rovers set to play Huddersfield Giants the week after and St Helens – who can still chase the Robins down – in the last game of the regular season.
But having seen his side come through four games in 15 days, the head coach stands by his decision to blood the club’s youngsters.
“We had a few injuries after last week’s game and some players have played every minute of every game,” Peters explained.
“There are three that we have got to rest because we have had some soft tissue injuries and we have prided ourselves on not having those.
“It’s not ideal but this is our fourth game in 15 days off the back of going to Vegas and playing in the World Club Challenge with two trips to France and a trip to Wembley.”
Hadley, Batchelor and Ryan Hampshire are among those to have picked up injuries during that spell.
“Dean Hadley has a slight groin strain, James Batchelor will be out for three weeks with his hamstring and Ryan Hampshire a month with a broken wrist,” Peters confirmed.
“We’ve got to get through this period as best as we can. We have genuine injuries.”
Wigan boss Matt Peet, who fielded the club’s youngsters in a 62-4 defeat against the Robins in May – the week before the sides faced off in the Challenge Cup final – said he empathised with Peters’ decision, but stressed the Warriors cannot let their standards slip.
“To be honest, I think every coach is entitled, and every club is entitled, to field the team they feel is going to get the job done for their team in the long-term as well as the short-term,” he said.
“I can empathise with what they’ve been through – the fixture pile-up and the pressure that puts on players physically and mentally, and staff.
“Willie has every right to pick the team that is right for his group, and until you’re in his shoes or anyone else’s shoes, it’s impossible to pass judgement really, but I get it.
“We can’t let it affect us, as they didn’t let it affect them when we went there. I thought they were very professional and I admired the way they went about that. Listen, people will make comments, but I empathise wholeheartedly.”