Willie Peters lifts lid on ‘worst part’ of coaching amid Hull KR full-back battle.
Jack Broadbent has been in consistent form for Hull KR in the absence of Arthur Mourgue.
Willie Peters admits telling players they won’t feature is the “worst part” of the job as Hull KR prepare for a huge selection call at full-back.
Arthur Mourgue is back available after a lengthy injury lay-off, leaving Peters with a major dilemma ahead of the Robins’ Super League clash with Leigh Leopards.
Jack Broadbent has made the No.1 position his own in his team-mate’s absence, playing a leading role in Hull KR’s rise to fourth in the table. He also helped fire Rovers back to Wembley with the Challenge Cup semi-final win over Warrington Wolves.
But with Mourgue now fit again after missing action since the World Club Challenge in February, Peters must decide whether to stick with Broadbent or restore the French international straight back into his team.
“We’ve got two very good options, and it’s certainly not an easy decision,” Peters admitted.
“Obviously, we can only have one at full-back, and it’s a decision that will be made through the coaches and we’ll go from there.
“It’s never easy to let players know that they’re not in. There’s a few there at the moment that could easily be in our side, that have done and are doing a job for us.
“It’s the worst part, to be honest with you. But you’ve got to do it, and do it in the right way.
“We’ll have to see what we do, the makeup of our bench and what all that looks like as well. They’re not easy decisions.”
The influential back-rower scored twice in the semi-final victory in Doncaster, while Peters has earmarked Rhyse Martin as his leading replacement.
“It’s a decision from the RFL, and a decision has been made and we move forward,” Peters commented.
“We’ve made a statement, and the RFL have made their decision. That’s all I’ll say.
“James is an important part of what we do, but it gives an opportunity to somebody else and they’ll step in. I look forward to seeing whoever plays in that role step up.
“There’s options, but Rhyse Martin is the obvious one to go in and start, and that’s what we’ll look at.”