WILLIE Peters is determined to seize any sort of home advantage for Hull KR in York when they face Catalans Dragons in Saturday’s Betfred Challenge Cup semi-final.
The Robins have already tasted victory at the LNER Community Stadium in this year’s competition when they beat York Knights 44-2 in the third round, and have trained twice at the venue ahead of their semi-final clash.
The 8,500-capacity venue is set to see Hull KR fans vastly outnumbering those travelling from France to cheer on Catalans, and head coach Peters is eager to make what is officially a neutral venue as much of a home away from home as he can.
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“You can read into it too much, but because we’re going to have 7,500 I want this to be like a home game for us,” Peters told BBC Radio Humberside.
“That’s why we’ve come down, we’ll have a similar shed to what we have in a home game, and when they run out it will be a similar feeling.
“That’s the theme we’re going with this week, but at the end of the day, no matter where you play, you need to action it.”
The Betfred Super League leaders are aiming for their second Challenge Cup final appearance in three years, having been edged out by Leigh Leopards in a golden-point thriller at Wembley in 2023.
A rematch with the Leopards could be on the cards if Adrian Lam’s men overcome Warrington Wolves at Totally Wicked Stadium on Sunday and Hull KR can see off 2018 Cup winners Catalans.
Peters’ side reach this stage last year as well, only to be overpowered 38-6 by eventual winners Wigan Warriors in Doncaster, and while they have been acquainting themselves closer with this year’s semi-final venue the Robins are otherwise sticking with everything which has so far taken them to the summit of Super League.
“We thought that just to get used to the surroundings and there are going to be about 7,500 KR fans here so we want to treat it like a home game,” Peters said.
“I know its not Craven Park, but it will be pretty much a full house with Hull KR supporters.
“So, we just want to get a feel for the place and get our surroundings so that’s been different, but everything else has been the same.”
