SAM BURGESS insists Warrington Wolves aren’t out for revenge against Hull KR – but is happy to now have one of last year’s Wembley opponents on his side.
Warrington suffered a heartbreaking 8-6 defeat to the Robins in the previous Challenge Cup final, having led up until the 78th minute.
That was a second straight Wembley defeat for Burgess, who is looking to make it three appearances in three seasons as Wire head coach.
While the holders stand before them in Sunday’s semi-final at the Eco-Power Stadium in Doncaster, Burgess said: “It’s a new year. We’re a new team, they’re a new team.
“We’ve six or seven new players who didn’t play in that game so it’s a completely different proposition.
“They’re in good form. They’ve kicked into gear in the last month and you can see where they’re going as a team.
“They’ve defensively been really sound and they’re scoring a lot of points. It’s going to be a big challenge for us.
“I’m hearing Arthur Mourgue is back, so they’ll be full strength.”
The only player from Hull KR’s success last June to now be plying their trade elsewhere is back-rower Kelepi Tanginoa.
Allowed to leave the club at the end of last season, Tanginoa has played ten games for Warrington so far this season, scoring four tries.
“Kelepi is a great professional and he’s got a great presence on the field,” said Burgess.
“We utilise him where best we can, whether that’s at the start or at different periods of the games.
“He’s brought a level of professionalism that is really impressive. He’s got a good understanding of the game. He’s a calming influence on the group. He’s been awesome.
“I love working with him and he’s only going to get better the more comfortable he feels around the group.”