Hull KR coach defends rotated squad against Wigan Warriors

Hull KR head coach Willie Peters has defended the decision to field an inexperienced squad against the Wigan Warriors, citing a high volume of genuine injuries and fixture congestion.

Following a demanding schedule that included four games in 15 days, Peters noted that several key players are unavailable. Reported injuries include Dean Hadley with a groin strain, James Batchelor with a hamstring issue expected to sideline him for three weeks, and Ryan Hampshire, who is out for a month following wrist surgery. Other players, including Tyrone May and Jai Whitbread, remain unfit.

Peters clarified that while some players are being rested to manage soft tissue risks, the majority of the squad rotation is due to medical necessity. Wigan Warriors coach Matt Peet expressed empathy for the situation, acknowledging that clubs are entitled to field the teams they deem best for their long-term interests.