Willie Peters admits the Super League table did not make for pretty reading before Hull KR's recent form spike.

Rovers lost three of their opening four games amid a gruelling start to the campaign, leaving the defending champions in an unfamiliar position near the bottom.

But they have since strung together a run of five wins to book a Challenge Cup semi-final and shoot up the table, scoring 218 points in the process.

The Robins moved into the play-off places for the first time last weekend – a position they would have happily accepted a few weeks ago.

"We certainly would," said Peters. "Looking at the table, it wasn't pretty at the start.

"Initially, we said we weren't going to look at the table but we're an honest group and needed to acknowledge the reality of where we were.

"As much as we wanted results, we spoke about performance. If we got that, we'd get the result and find our way up the ladder.

"We're in a reasonable spot now but it's reasonably congested. If you have a couple of losses, you end up south again.

Willie Peters has called on Hull KR to stay exactly where they are after moving into the top six. (Photo: John Clifton/SWpix.com)

placeholder image — Willie Peters has called on Hull KR to stay exactly where they are after moving into the top six. (Photo: John Clifton/SWpix.com)

"But that's not on our radar. We just want to make sure we keep ticking wins off."

KR are firm favourites to beat Castleford Tigers on Thursday night and extend their winning run to six games.

However, Peters believes Castleford's recent victory at Wigan Warriors is a better indicator for Rovers than last week's home drubbing by Hull FC.

"I'm expecting the team that played against Wigan to arrive at Craven Park," said the Australian, who welcomes back Joe Burgess and Oliver Gildart.

Hull KR enjoyed themselves in the Odsal sunshine last weekend. (Photo: John Clifton/SWpix.com)

"I thought they were outstanding and then last week they had a dip back at home.

"When they're on, they're on so we need to make sure we're on. We're always focused on that first.

"We're back at home and really looking forward to improving in front of our home fans. We've spoken about consistency and performance over result. The results have come because we've got the areas that we value right.

"We're expecting the best version of Cas – but I'm also expecting the best version of KR."

Mikey Lewis scored four tries against Bradford. (Photo: John Clifton/SWpix.com)

Rovers' recent points spree has coincided with Mikey Lewis and Tyrone May finding form.

With a cup semi-final against Warrington Wolves up next for his side, Peters feels his half-backs are building nicely.

"They balance each other out," he said.

"Mikey, deservedly so, got the headlines on the weekend but Tyrone has got a great footy brain. He can slow the game down and speed it up when he wants to. The better half-backs have time and that's what he's got.

"Mikey was exceptional on the weekend with his running game. Both players are getting to the top of their game at the right time in terms of this Thursday and the games we've got coming up.

"It's a combination that will get better the more they play together. They've played together a couple of years now but when they communicate and put short-game moments together, we're a hard team to defend against."