Hull KR boss Willie Peters embraces Challenge Cup quirks ahead of awkward Lock Lane tie

The holders have been paired with the National Conference League outfit in the third round, giving Lock Lane a rare chance to test themselves against Super League opposition.

The draw has left Rovers – who swept all before them last year on their way to the treble – in a tricky position but Peters is happy to put the interests of the game first.

"It is what it is," said the Australian, whose team were originally drawn away before the tie was moved to Craven Park.

"I understand why we do it. It's a great opportunity for Lock Lane to get some revenue. They're bringing the game here and that'll set them up for years to come.

"It's great to help grassroots. It's not the number one sport over here, football obviously is, so you’ve got to work out ways to generate income for grassroots and this is a good opportunity for them.

"That's how we're looking at it – to be able to help and give back. But we also respect that it's a game against men. They'll be physical so it'll be a hit-out for us. We'll look at what we can control."

In a repeat of last year, Super League sides have entered the cup a round earlier to give lower-league clubs plum ties and create David versus Goliath clashes.

While the match offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences and boosts club coffers, it also raises natural concerns about player welfare when professionals face amateurs.

"All I worry about is that it's played in the right spirit," added Peters.

"I'm sure it will be if it's officiated the right way because you can get away with certain things when you're playing locally on a Sunday compared to games on TV.

"From a welfare point of view, it's a professional team against an amateur team. They probably see this as an exciting opportunity; for us, it's an opportunity to help Lock Lane by getting people here."

Peters plans to name a strong team as the Robins step up their preparations for the World Club Challenge against Brisbane Broncos later this month.

England trio Mikey Lewis, Jez Litten and Joe Burgess will sit out the match, alongside experienced centre Peta Hiku.

With the exception of injured pair Tom Amone and Sam Luckley, everybody else is in contention to feature.

"It'll be a strong team with a sprinkling of some young guys," said Peters.

"It's difficult to work out what the best way is: do you play your strongest team against Wakefield (in last week's friendly) but then you don't play for three weeks, or do you go stronger for this week? The players want to keep playing once they start and I was okay with that."

Luckley had surgery in the off-season to fix a knee issue, while fellow prop Amone is recovering from a broken hand.

"Sam will hopefully be back for round one," said Peters. "Tom is unlikely to be ready for round one but will be back for the World Club Challenge."