Joe Burgess will return for Hull KR this week after missing round 19 with a shoulder issue.
The Robins winger was a surprise omission from last week’s squad, with him missing out on selection despite being named in the 21-man squad.
Both he and Jai Whitbread were two of the four to drop out, but Willie Peters has confirmed that both are in contention, and that the plan is for England international Burgess to return.
“Joe will play, he’s ready to go,” Peters revealed to the press. “He’s looking forward to it.
“A couple of weeks ago he wasn’t happy with how he played and just where his body was at. He’s had a week to sort of freshen up, and yeah, I’m expecting Joe Burgess to be back.”
The Robins have already confirmed more of their 17 to face Hull FC in the third and final derby this week. Arthur Mourgue will play in the halves alongside Tyrone May, as he fits in for the suspended Mikey Lewis.
That means Jack Broadbent will slot in at full-back, as he has done for most of this season.
Burgess’ return comes at a key time, with youngster Noah Booth unavailable this week due to concussion protocols. On the Wakefield man’s fitness, Peters said: “So far so good. He’s in good spirits.
“We just [need to] make sure that we take it slow with him, but we’re hopeful that he’ll be back next week or available for selection next week.”
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Hull KR boss offers update on forward duo
Two players who have been battling injury in recent weeks are Sauaso Sue and Dean Hadley.
The Robins boss has revealed that Sue, who signed a one-year contract extension recently, has been carrying an ankle knock, but despite that is fit enough to feature against the Black and Whites.
Peters said: “He’s obviously carrying some issues, but he’s as tough as they come and he doesn’t want to miss this derby.”
Meanwhile, Hadley left the field in last week’s defeat to Warrington with stomach issues, but the boss has assured fans that the England World Cup hopeful will be healthy enough to face his former side.
