Wakefield Wildcats v Hull KR: Super League preview
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 02/06/16 10:50pm
Chris Chester admits he still has a soft spot for Hull KR but that will be cast aside on Thursday as he attempts to help Wakefield complete the Super League double over his old club at Belle Vue.
Chester lost his job as head coach of Hull KR after they suffered a surprise 14-12 home defeat to the Wildcats in February, and that sparked a coaching merry-go-round.
James Webster, who parted company with Wakefield in May last year, took up the role of Hull KR's interim head coach in March, four days before the sudden resignation of his successor at Belle Vue, Brian Smith, which paved the way for Chester's appointment.
Chester's departure from the Robins came just three games into the season but he reveals he saw the move coming and holds no grudges as he prepares to face them for the first time since his removal.
"I'd got a sense towards the back end of last season, when things weren't going particularly well," said Chester, who had guided the Robins to the Challenge Cup final in August.
"I hold no grudges. It was just one of those unfortunate things that happen in sport where they thought things had gone stale and wanted a change.
"We've moved on and I was fortunate enough to get a job here at Wakefield that I'm enjoying. I wish the club well. They gave me an opportunity and it's a club I hold close to my heart.
"I speak to a few of the boys and keep in touch with the chairman Neil Hudgell and the CEO. We parted amicably."
Chester is hoping to put his vast knowledge of the Hull KR players to good use and admits his players will need to keep a close eye on skipper and chief playmaker Terry Campese, who was rested for last week's trip to France to play Catalans Dragons, and his half-back partner Albert Kelly.
"I know the way they'd like to play, although Webby has got them playing in a different style and they're a difficult team to defend against when they've got Alby on one side and Campo on the other," Chester said.
"Campo is massive for them. They've wrapped him in cotton wool and rightly so. He's a key player. When Campo plays, the team generally plays well.
"For us, it's just about cutting his time down with the ball and trying to get over their forward pack."
Wakefield are coming off a heavy defeat at Salford - only their second loss in 11 league and cup matches under Chester - but are expected to gain the first of two more victories their coach believes will clinch a place in the top eight for last year's wooden spooners.
"I think 20 points should be enough," he said. "It's nice that we're in a position where it's in our hands. We've shown we can compete with the top teams in Super League.
"We were disappointed with the performance last week. It shows how far we've come. I didn't really have to say too much after the game, the guys took over.
"The one good thing about this group of players is that, when we've had a defeat, we've bounced back the following week.
"We'll see on Thursday night how far we've come as a group."
Wakefield will be without skipper Danny Kirmond, who is the sixth Wildcats player to be suspended so far this season as a result of his tripping offence against Salford.
Wakefield Wildcats: Scott Anderson, Chris Annakin, Tinirau Arona, Joe Arundel, Matty Ashurst, Anthony England, Liam Finn, Craig Hall, Stuart Howarth, Tom Johnstone, Max Jowitt, Reece Lyne, Jacob Miller, Jon Molloy, Nick Scruton, Mickael Simon, Mikey Sio, Anthony Tupou, Bill Tupou.
Hull Kingston Rovers: Mitch Allgood, Maurice Blair, John Boudebza, Terry Campese, Chris Clarkson, James Donaldson, James Green, James Greenwood, Albert Kelly, George Lawler, Kevin Larroyer, Shaun Lunt, Matty Marsh, Robbie Mulhern, Ken Sio, Iain Thornley, Dane Tilse, Adam Walker, Joe Wardill.
Watch Wakefield v Hull KR live on Sky Sports 3 HD on Thursday from 7.30pm. Catch the match for £6.99 with a NOW TV day pass.