Hull KR host Wigan Warriors in a repeat of the 2024 Grand Final with the Robins hoping to pull six points clear of their rivals and maintain their 100% record to start the season.
The Robins have been near flawless in performances as well as result with the opening two rounds arguably showcasing their ability to grind out games that they haven’t had total control in.
Since then, few teams have troubled Willie Peters’ side but Wigan Warriors present the toughest test yet with Matt Peet’s team well-rested after their early Challenge Cup exit.
Hull KR v Wigan Warriors team news
Willie Peters has denied any notion that Wigan aren’t in the same form as 2024, dismissing the idea that their three defeats in all competitions makes them any less perilous as he told the media bluntly: “Wigan are the same team that they were last year”.
Despite that, Hull KR are favourites for the game and that’s in spite of them losing Man of Steel Mikey Lewis to a groin injury – with that position one of the key selection issues Willie Peters faces tonight.
We’ve predicted how both Hull KR and Wigan Warriors could line up.
How could Hull KR line up against Wigan
With James Batchelor back in the 21-man squad, he should slot straight back in at second-row and allow Kelepi Tanginoa to return to the bench where he makes such an immense impact from.
That fairly simple change is likely to be the only one outside of replacing Mikey Lewis but Willie Peters has plenty of options for how to do that. Jez Litten has certainly thrown his hat in the ring after his showing against Hull FC, however, his stint in the halves meant Micky McIlorum was forced to play 80 minutes at hooker, something he likely can’t do for a second week running.
As such, Litten will likely return to the number nine role off the bench behind McIlorum meaning that Danny Richardson or Arthur Mourgue are the likely candidates to play in the halves.
Mourgue has debuted for Hull KR but at full-back, however, he’s more than capable in the halves and has the class to take the role on. That would mean Jack Broadbent can resume at full-back where he has impressed when called upon.
Richardson would be unlucky to miss out, especially given how he performed against Salford. The rest of the 17 will likely remain unchanged as well with Hull KR being somewhat fortunate with injuries to date.
Predicted Hull KR XIII: Jack Broadbent, Tom Davies, Peta Hiku, Oliver Gildart, Joe Burgess, Arthur Mourgue, Tyrone May, Sauaso Sue, Micky McIloru, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, James Batchelor, Dean Hadley, Elliot Minchella
Interchanges: Jez Litten, Jai Whitbread, Kelepi Tanginoa, Sam Luckley
How could Wigan Warriors line up against KR
The major loss for Wigan Warriors is Luke Thompson and whilst Wigan have plenty of props to call upon, none are of the level that Thompson is.
Tyler Dupree started against Salford and could retain that spot with Sam Walters maybe playing alongside him. The ex-Leeds man has been used as a prop more and more in 2025 and has always stepped up to the occasion when needed, with last year’s Super League semi-finals a prime example.
Harvie Hill and Liam Byrne could play from the bench with the impact man Patrick Mago alongside them, as well as Kruise Leeming. Brad O’Neill returned against Salford and could be in line for a first start in over 250 days.
The other major question is just how fit Abbas Miski is. The winger has missed games recently due to his knee issue but was named in the 21-man squad. He or Jacob Douglas will be a key call that Matt Peet makes.
Predicted Wigan Warriors XIII: Jai Field, Abbas Miski, Zach Eckersley, Jake Wardle, Liam Marshall, Bevan French, Harry Smith, Tyler Dupree, Brad O’Neill, Sam Walters, Liam Farrell, Junior Nsemba, Kaide Ellis
Interchanges: Harvie Hill, Patrick Mago, Liam Byrne, Kruise Leeming
It’s going to be an explosive one! 🫡
The #SuperLeague Table Toppers will take on the Champions this Friday Live on @SkySports at 8pm 📺 pic.twitter.com/TG5QB4qvxP
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) April 8, 2025
