Hull KR will be looking to ease their way into the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup this evening when they take on Oldham at Craven Park. The Robins boast a 100 per cent record in all competitions this season and they’ll be determined to finally get their hands on major silverware this year.
Oldham should not be taken lightly, of course, with Sean Long’s side including a raft of former Super League players such as ex-KR trio Josh Drinkwater, Iain Thornley and Kieran Dixon, Gil Dudson and Adam Milner. Rovers will be the clear favourites to progress though and Willie Peters will be taking no chances with his line-up.
The head coach has named a strong 21-man squad for the clash, with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Micky McIlorum and Dean Hadley the only men to drop out of the fold after last week’s win at St Helens. With that in mind, we’ve predicted how the Robins might line up this evening in east Hull.
Well, Niall Evalds has been included in the squad after missing last week with a head knock and if he is deemed fit enough to play against the Roughyeds he will. That could see Jack Broadbent, who has performed well when he’s played this season, moved to either the bench or out of the 17-man squad altogether.
A back line of Tom Davies, Peta Hiku, Oliver Giladart and Joe Burgess can be expected to remain unchanged, while it seems highly likely that Mikey Lewis will play alongside Tyrone May in the halves.
Jez Litten seems likely to get the nod to start the game in McIlorum’s absence but he could be set to share the hooker load with Bill Leyland, who would be making a debut for the Robins should he be involved. Leyland made the move from London Broncos over the off-season and he’ll be keen to catch the eye if given the opportunity.
Jai Whitbread could be brought into the starting line-up to replace Waerea-Hargreaves, while Kelepi Tanginoa looks a likely option to start due to Hadley’s head knock.
On the bench, it seems like this could be the opportunity Sam Luckley has been waiting for to force his way back into the side. Luckley had surgery on his wrist during pre-season and the form of others has left him struggling for opportunities under Peters.
Jack Brown finds himself in a similar spot down the pecking order, while Eribe Doro or Leon Ruan could also get the nod for a debut this week against the Championship outfit.
Predicted Hull KR line-up: Niall Evalds; Tom Davies, Peta Hiku, Oliver Gildart, Joe Burgess; Mikey Lewis, Tyrone May; Sauaso Sue, Jez Litten, Jai Whitbread; Kelepi Tanginoa, James Batchelor; Elliot Minchella.
Bench: Sam Luckley, Bill Leyland, Jack Brown, Eribe Doro.
