Hull KR host Castleford Tigers tonight and head coaches Willie Peters and Danny McGuire have named their line-ups for the match.
Both teams are starting the 2025 Super League season after vastly different 2024 campaigns and very different Challenge Cup results.
Hull KR recorded their best-ever Super League finish in 2024 as they placed second and made it to the Grand Final whereas Castleford Tigers placed 10th before then changing head coaches in the off-season.
Former Robins assistant Danny McGuire now heads up Cas and he’s already had a taste of what tough job it will be with his side going down 18-16 to Bradford Bulls in the Challenge Cup last week, whilst Hull KR defeated York Knights with ease.
The Robins looked to be fully fit for this game with Willie Peters having the pick of all of his squad whereas Castleford have struggled with injuries throughout pre-season.
Both teams have now confirmed their 17-man squads for tonight’s game at Craven Park.
Hull KR will line up almost 1 through 13 with the only swaps being Micky McIlorum as the starting hooker and Jez Litten on the bench, as well as Rhyse Martin starting ahead of Dean Hadley.
Jai Whitbread and Kelepi Tanginoa join Litten and Hadley on the bench with Jack Brown picked as the 18th man.
Peters had spoken during the week about the difficult choice on his fourth interchange spot and the dilemma of whether to select a utility back or a forward but he’s opted for the latter.
As for Castleford, they have once again named Tex Hoy in the halves with young Fletcher Rooney started at full-back. Josh Hodson retains his place in the second-row whilst Alex Mellor is injured.
St Helens loanee Ben Davies is named on the bench whilst overseas recruits Zac Cini, Daejarn Asia, Judah Rimbu and Jeremiah Simbiken all make their Super League debuts.
Hull KR: Niall Evalds; Tom Davies, Peta Hiku, Oliver Gildart, Joe Burgess; Mikey Lewis, Tyrone May; Sauaso Sue, Micky McIlorum, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves; Rhyse Martin, James Batchelor, Elliot Minchella
Interchanges: Jez Litten, Dean Hadley, Jai Whitbread, Kelepi Tanginoa.
Castleford Tigers: Fletcher Rooney; Josh Simm, Sam Wood, Zac Cini, Innes Senior; Daejarn Asi, Tex Hoy; Joe Westerman, Judah Rimbu, George Lawler; Jeremiah Simbiken, Josh Hodson, Liam Horne
Interchanges: George Griffin, Muizz Mustapha, Sylvester Namo, Ben Davies
