Reliving the Dramatic Rugby League Challenge Cup Semi-Final: Hull KR’s Victory over Wigan Warriors
In a match that will surely go down as one of the most memorable semi-finals in recent history, Hull KR emerged victorious 11-10 in extra-time over Wigan Warriors, thanks to a decisive drop goal from Brad Schneider. Ahead of this weekend’s Rugby League Challenge Cup semi-final clash between the two sides, Love Rugby League had the chance to sit down with Rovers boss Willie Peters to revisit last year’s thrilling encounter.
Instilling Belief through Previous Encounters
Despite being a relative newcomer to the English rugby league scene, having joined Hull KR just six months prior, Peters and his side had already faced Wigan Warriors on two previous occasions that season. They secured a win in the first game, Peters’ maiden match as head coach, before narrowly losing the second encounter.
“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 explained. “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 Crucial Arrival of Brad Schneider
The game-changing arrival of Schneider the week before the semi-final proved to be a crucial factor. The half-back had scored a match-winning drop goal against Leeds Rhinos, and Peters was confident he would deliver once again.
“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.”
The Rollercoaster of Emotions
Despite the challenging conditions, Rovers started strongly, with Louis Senior’s try giving them a 4-0 lead. However, Wigan fought back, and Jai Field’s try just before half-time saw them take an 8-4 advantage. But Peters remained calm, believing his side were still firmly in the contest.
The game’s turning point came when Wigan’s Joe Shorrocks was sent off for a high shot, tipping the momentum firmly in Rovers’ favor.
“The message was to stick to what we were doing, do not start panicking and getting carried away,” Peters said. “You obviously need to tinker the plan slightly because you’ve got an extra man.”
Ethan Ryan’s late try, set up by a brilliant offload from Shaun Kenny-Dowall, leveled the scores at 10-10, sending the game to golden point extra-time. This is where Schneider’s nerves of steel came to the fore, as he calmly slotted the winning drop goal to seal a memorable victory for Hull KR.
“It’s hard to describe that feeling. Simply unbelievable. That feeling there is the best feeling I’ve ever had as a player or a coach, without a doubt,” Peters reflected. “We’re chasing something again this weekend and then hopefully something even better after that.”
As rugby league fans eagerly anticipate this weekend’s Challenge Cup semi-final, the memory of Hull KR’s thrilling victory over Wigan Warriors last year will undoubtedly add to the already palpable excitement surrounding the fixture.
đź”— Source
