Hull KR v Wigan Warriors: Predicted line-ups and late injury news

Tonight, two of last year’s top six meet in front of the Sky Sports cameras as both Hull KR and Wigan look to get off to a solid start in Super League XXVII. But how will both sides line up as the Robins look to build on last year and Wigan start anew after a disappointing 2021.

The big question for Hull KR lies at halfback. With two outstanding young halves in the shape of Mikey Lewis and Rowan Milnes, Tony Smith has an interesting dilemma when it comes to settling on who should partner Jordan Abdull in the halves. Ultimately, it’s likely Lewis will get the nod based on the way he finished last season. Elsewhere, Tony Smith will give debuts to Lachlan Coote at fullback and Sam Wood on the wing despite the fact Wood has said he’s wanting to figure mostly at centre this year. Korbin Sims will likely offer impact from the bench after an up and down 2021 and will be joined by substitute hooker Jez Litten and signing Frankie Halton.

If Hull KR’s big question surrounds the halfbacks, then Wigan’s lies in the backs. Bevan French’s continued absence leaves a hole at fullback and the way Matty Peet sets about filling it will influence the rest of the team. Should he play Jai Field there after a superb pre-season outing against Warrington, Peet will likely name his first choice outside backs with Zak Hardaker featuring at centre assuming the former Man of Steel is ready to play after missing the Warrington friendly. However, Peet may name Hardaker at one meaning we could see Kai Pearce-Paul at centre alongside the returning Iain Thornley. Beyond that conundrum, Wigan are virtually full strength with new signings Cade Cust and Patrick Mago set to start keeping the likes of Kaide Ellis and young Harry Smith on the bench.

Hull KR
1 Lachlan Coote
24 Sam Wood
3 Brad Takairangi
4 Shaun Kenny-Dowall
5 Ryan Hall
20 Mikey Lewis
7 Jordan Abdull
8 Albert Vete
9 Matt Parcell
10 George King
11 Dean Hadley
12 Kane Linnett
13 Matty Storton
Substitutes
14 Jez Litten
16 Korbin Sims
18 Jimmy Keinhorst
27 Frankie Halton

Wigan
23 Jai Field
2 Jake Bibby
3 Zak Hardaker
4 Iain Thornley
5 Liam Marshall
6 Cade Cust
7 Thomas Leuluai
8 Brad Singleton
9 Sam Powell
10 Patrick Mago
12 Liam Farrell
13 John Bateman
14 Morgan Smithies
Substitutes
11 Willie Isa
15 Kaide Ellis
16 Harry Smith
17 Oliver Partington