Rovers Boss Recalls Dramatic Challenge Cup Semi-Final Victory Over Wigan
Ahead of this weekend’s Challenge Cup semi-final clash between Hull KR and Wigan Warriors, Love Rugby League sat down with Rovers boss Willie Peters to relive last year’s incredible tie between the sides.
That day, the Robins emerged victorious in a nail-biting 11-10 extra-time win, thanks to a decisive drop goal from Brad Schneider. The semi-final will surely go down as one of the most memorable in recent history, and Peters has now lifted the lid on his emotions from that day, as well as how key tactical decisions potentially swung the game in Rovers’ favor.
“We had some exciting games with them earlier in the season, and last year, certainly to the point of the semi-final was about beating those bigger teams to instill that belief,” Peters explains. “The first game was a big step in that regard. They edged us in the second game but we knew we could compete with them. We believed in ourselves and believed we could win the game.”
The introduction of Schneider proved to be a game-changer for Rovers. The half-back had just arrived in the country and, the week prior, had kicked an extra-time drop goal to beat Leeds Rhinos.
“He got off the plane and pretty much wanted to play. We needed a half badly at the time and for me, he came in at the perfect time and he owned it. You saw that in his performances; he wasn’t shy. He took the game by the scruff of the neck, he kicks the winning field goal the week before and does what he does after that. You couldn’t write it.”
Despite Wigan going into the break with an 8-4 lead, Peters remained calm and confident in his team’s ability to turn the tide. A pivotal moment came when Joe Shorrocks was sent off for a high shot, tipping the momentum in Rovers’ favor.
As the game entered the final quarter, Rovers finally made their numerical advantage count, with Shaun Kenny-Dowall’s brilliant offload setting up Ethan Ryan’s try to make it 10-8. But the big moment came when Peters made the call to hand kicking duties to Schneider, who nervelessly converted the try to level the scores at 10-10 and send the game to golden point.
In the extra-time period, Schneider once again stepped up to the plate, calmly slotting the winning drop goal to spark wild celebrations among the Rovers faithful.
“It was a totally surreal moment, and to be honest I yelled so loudly my voice went, straight away,” Peters recalls. “That feeling there is the best feeling I’ve ever had as a player or a coach, without a doubt.”
As Rovers prepare to face Wigan again in this weekend’s semi-final, Peters and his team will be hoping to recreate the magic of that memorable day and secure a spot in the Challenge Cup final.
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