Willie Peters is expecting a stern test when Hull Kingston Rovers host Leeds Rhinos on Sunday – and has revealed his admiration for Rohan Smith. The Robins face last season’s beaten Super League Grand Finalists in their second and final pre-season friendly as they prepare for their season-opener against Wigan Warriors on February 18.
Peters’ men lost their first hit-out against Featherstone Rovers last month and the new Rovers boss will field a much-changed side for the visit of the Rhinos. Peters, who will use 22 of his squad against the Rhinos, said: “We had 11 players who didn't play against Featherstone and we are playing a quality team in Leeds.
“It's a stepping stone for the round one game against Wigan, so we need a good performance on Sunday. It's important to play against a good side in pre-season.
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“People are tipping Leeds and then Wigan to be up there and to challenge for silverware, so for us we want to be playing the best teams. Leeds are a great side, and it will give us a good indication of where we are at. The result isn't the be-all and end-all, but we are looking for a strong performance. Naturally, a friendly is for building, but in every single game, I want to be competitive to the standards we've set in pre-season.”
Smith worked wonders at Leeds last year after arriving in May and transforming a team of no-hopers into Grand Finalists. Smith’s dad Brian previously coached Hull FC, Bradford Bulls and Wakefield Trinity while his uncle Tony has taken the reins at the Black and Whites following a spell in charge of the Robins.
Peters added: “I have spoken to Rohan Smith over messages last year and this year. He's done a great job so far at Leeds and comes from a very intelligent family in Brian and Tony. He's a similar sort of coach to them and a creative thinker. This game, being the last trial, will be two strong teams but I'm not too concerned about Leeds – it's more about us.”
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