Hull KR host Wigan Warriors at Craven Park in a repeat of last year’s Grand Final and the team news has now been confirmed.
Rarely does a game so early in the season feel so important but tonight’s clash is one that will either see Hull KR set down a statement win and make it a perfect seven from seven, or Wigan will remind everyone exactly how good they are.
It’s a chance for the Robins to open up a six-point gap over Matt Peet’s side as well, something that could prove pivotal in the race for silverware near the end of the season.
With Mikey Lewis ruled out due to a groin issue picked up against Hull FC, Willie Peters faced a major decision as to how to replace the Man of Steel.
For Matt Peet, his decision was around how best to replace England prop Luke Thompson who wasn’t named in the 21-man squad.
The matchday squads have now been confirmed and the team news is in.
Hull KR team news
Peters opted to go with his Challenge Cup Man of the Match Jez Litten in the halves to start whilst Frenchman Arthur Mourgue gets the nod at full-back. That’s seen Jack Broadbent drop to the bench where he will serve as a utility, perhaps spelling in the halves and allowing Litten to move to nine should Micky McIlorum require a rest.
There is a major blow for Hull KR though in that James Batchelor (hamstring) has not passed fit meaning the second-row pairing of Kelepi Tanginoa and Dean Hadley remains, with Jack Brown called up to the bench.
Hull KR XIII: Arthur Mourgue, Tom Davies, Peta Hiku, Oliver Gildart, Joe Burgess, Jez Litten, Tyrone May, Sauaso Sue, Micky McIlorum, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Kelepi Tanginoa, Dean Hadley, Elliot Minchella
Interchanges: Jack Broadbent, Jai Whitbread, Jack Brown, Sam Luckley
RD7 Ready 😤#UpTheRobins🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/litvKJ5mLJ
— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) April 11, 2025
Wigan Warriors team news
Liam Byrne and Sam Walters start at prop in the absence of Thompson with Harvie Hill and Tyler Dupree on the bench. Kruise Leeming retains the start with Brad O’Neill on the bench as well.
Abbas Miski passes fit despite his knee injury meaning that Jacob Douglas drops out with the Lebanon winger returning for the first time since Las Vegas.
Wigan Warriors XIII: Jai Field, Abbas Miski, Zach Eckersley, Jake Wardle, Liam Marshall, Bevan French, Harry Smith, Liam Byrne, Kruise Leeming, Sam Walters, Liam Farrell, Junior Nsemba, Kaide Ellis
Interchanges: Harvie Hill, Patrick Mago, Tyler Dupree, Brad O’Neill
📋 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦
Your Warriors side for tonight! 👊@KHDBrokkHire | #WWRL #SLHKRWIG pic.twitter.com/OA290Xd3Yr
— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) April 11, 2025
