Warrington Wolves v Hull KR: Willie Peters calls for bravery as Super League champions bid to arrest slide
Willie Peters has cautioned Hull KR against retreating into their shell as they look to revive their Super League title defence.
The Robins head to fellow play-off hopefuls Warrington Wolves on the back of four defeats in seven games, leaving their season hanging in the balance.
Peters wants his players to rediscover their relentless edge without sacrificing the attacking instincts that have underpinned the club's rise.
"They're all important games now," he said. "They've obviously been through a few losses themselves. It's probably a game where the team that simplifies things and finds their game early on will win.
"The non-negotiable is competing on every play. If we do that, we'll put ourselves in a strong position.
"But I do want to see us express ourselves a little more with the ball. It's important not to go into your shell and play one-out rugby during times when you're probably not playing at your best.
"You've got to back yourself. I back these players."
Rovers sit two points behind Warrington ahead of the trip to the Halliwell Jones Stadium after suffering their first home defeat of the season last time out.
While acknowledging his side were ill-disciplined and error-ridden against Wakefield Trinity, Peters believes the foundations remain intact.
"One thing I will say is that there's still plenty of fight in the team," he said.
"Teams are getting us at the back end because of the errors we're making and the work we're doing. We still want to play with freedom but we've got to clean up a few things and put some fatigue in the opposition instead of our ourselves. That's the key.
"I always look at our response in terms of energy and being a good team-mate. I'm seeing some positive signs."
Hull KR have been boosted by the timely return of Dean Hadley, Tom Amone and Arthur Mourgue.
Mourgue has not featured since re-injuring his pec in May, while Hadley and Amone have missed the last two games following a clash of heads in the early stages of last month's defeat to Leeds Rhinos.
"I'd like to think it gives a huge lift to the group," said Peters.
"We weren't happy with our performance last week and all we're doing now is looking forward. Those three guys can certainly help and provide some energy.
"Dean Hadley is massive to our pack. I'm glad he's getting recognised with England squads because he's very important to what we do.
"It's good to have them all back in."