Hull KR v Warrington Wolves: Willie Peters out to show power of connection in 'significant game'

The Robins had suffered five defeats in eight games – starting in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley – and faced a battle to keep their Super League title defence alive.

Written off in some quarters, the champions have responded with four straight wins to steady the ship.

Willie Peters' side host Warrington in tonight's reverse fixture with their play-off hopes looking considerably healthier than when they left the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

"I don't react so much to the table," said Peters. "Obviously you want to be in the (top) six but it's more about performance – and we didn't perform well at all that day.

"The best part is the players have owned that. They know it wasn't a Hull KR performance. We did look sluggish and we did lack energy.

"But what I'm proud about is that there was a lot said that week about where we were as a team and in the last four weeks, without Mikey (Lewis) and Arthur (Mourgue), we've found that we can still win games and are a connected group.

"There were question marks about how connected we were."

Hull KR's success has been built on a strong sense of togetherness.

Peters insists that unity never wavered despite the challenges of 2026.

"Everyone is going to have an opinion in terms of rugby league and that's what makes the game enjoyable," he added. "But where I think people were off the mark was in terms of how connected this group were and how hard they were trying.

"We've got a connected group who work extremely hard. The season has been challenging and it's going to get even more challenging. We've got to remain as committed and connected to make sure we get to where we want to get to.

"We're chasing trophies and the Super League title. It's ours to lose. We've got to have some fight. What I'm proud about is that we are showing some fight."

Striking the right balance between aggression and control has been a constant battle for Lewis, who is poised to return after serving the suspension he picked up in the away clash with Warrington.

Peters wants the half-back to channel his emotions more effectively following last month's disciplinary lapses.

"Mikey has got a lot of learning out of the last four weeks," said Peters, who is also set to welcome back Mourgue after a three-game absence.

"He knows he needs to stay calm and composed because when he does that, he's one of the elite players in our competition.

"I want to compliment what Ryan Hampshire has done as well. We brought him to the club to play a role and thought there would be some stage where he'd have to fill in for four, five, six, seven games. He's certainly done a job for us and helped with that composure.

"We're a better team for having Mikey in it. He needs to keep showing that at the back end of the year."

Lewis' task is to help steer Rovers to a top-four finish, a goal that has come back into view in recent weeks.

However, Peters knows they must find another level when they finally get to play their game in hand after a string of wins against struggling sides.

"We'll get a better idea on Tuesday," he said of their recent progress. "We've beaten teams outside the six over the last four weeks and are now playing a team that are sitting third.

"We're currently fifth and have an opportunity to get to third. There's a lot to play for and a lot of motivation.

"We sort of say 'standards are bigger than motivation' but there's some extra motivation, that's for sure.

"It's a significant game for both teams, just to see where we're both at but also ladder positioning as well.

"Even though it's played on a Tuesday night and we've got four games in 14 days, this is a big game for us."

For all the obstacles encountered this season, the Robins still have a home play-off tie within their grasp.

Peters recognises the importance of keeping their fate in their own hands by continuing their recent upturn against Warrington.

"You want a home game," he said. "If you don't get one, you don't deserve it.

"We're in a position at the moment where we can make the top four and play at home. When it's on you, you're in a more powerful position.

"First or second is possibly out of reach but we're still in a position to be able to play for a home tie. We're not relying on other teams.

"If we win this and put ourselves in third, we start to get more confidence and belief after the year we've had.

"All I want to see is improvement. We need to improve on what we did last week. We're aware of that."