Bosses ready to rise to Challenge

THE pain of recent history will weigh heavily on the minds of both Sam Burgess and Willie Peters as the respective coaches of Warrington and Hull KR plot a path to Betfred Challenge Cup glory at Wembley on Saturday.

- By MARK STANIFORTH

Redemption would be swift for Burgess if he can inspire a side riddled with injury concerns to see off the current Super League leaders and erase the memory of last year’s miserable 18-8 final defeat to Wigan.

Meanwhile Peters has the lingering memories of Rovers’ heartbreaking 2023 final loss to Leigh to erase, not to mention a 40-year trophyless streak.

For Burgess, the current campaign has come in stark contrast to his successful debut season as a Super League coach, with injuries ravaging the Wolves spine and inconsistency leaving them languishing in eighth place in the table, but it has presented a challenge he has relished.

"This year has been enjoyable because I've learned a lot more,” said Burgess, who has resisted speculation that he is set for a swift return to Australia’s NRL, insisting he is committed to seeing out his current contract with Warrington which expires in 2026.