Hull KR coach Willie Peters has offered a playful rationale after a bizarre role reversal which saw him observe NRL convention for naming his World Club Challenge starting side while Brisbane opted for Super League-level secrecy.
Broncos coach Michael Maguire told NRL.com at Heathrow last week he would probably follow in the footsteps of Australia (2025) and Penrith (2024) in dispensing with the local protocol of keeping his starting side secret until 90 minutes before kick-off. Those sides nominated a starting 13, with reserves and interchanges identified on Tuesday, as happens in the NRL.
But Tuesday came and went in England and - strangely - it was Hull KR which named their 13 while the Broncos didn't.
"We're just following the tournament rules of the World Club Challenge - there's nothing more to it," said Broncos general manager of football operations Troy Thompson.
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Asked his reasons for being unnecessarily open, Peters told NRL.com "Our team is our team - we've got nothing to hide.
"Maybe some of their players don't know ours so I thought I'd help them out. No look, whether or not they name their team it doesn't make any difference.
"I don't see it as mind games. We saw their team in the grand final, there'll be a couple of changes and that's it."
While players and coaches always talk up how seriously they are taking the WCC, in the case of Thursday night's game it's actions and what is not being said that prove the point.
Hull KR have designated their captains run at MKM Stadium closed to the media and public, fans at a Broncos session in Hull were asked not to shoot video, the Broncos splurged on flying to Humberside rather than the train or bus and then there's the unusual situation with the naming of teams.
No-one has to talk up the tension and intrigue this year - it's blatantly obvious to anyone paying attention.
Brisbane only have 20 players on tour, one short of the preliminary squad required for Super League games.
Queensland media has speculated Jack Gosiewski will replace injured Brendan Piakura in one starting back row spot, with Aublix Tawha, Cory Paix, Ben Talty and Xavier Willison forming the bench.
Former Wests Tigers, South Sydney and Canterbury forward Tom Amone will make his debut for Hull KR after missing round one with a foot injury.
