Tonight Leeds Rhinos take on Hull KR looking for a first win at Craven Park since 2018 as well as a fourth win a row and a sixth win out of the last seven which would truly mark a remarkable turn around under new coach Rohan Smith.
A win would also ensure the Rhinos remain within the top six and could even take fifth spot depending on Castleford’s result against Catalans tonight. A victory would see Leeds take a three point lead on Hull KR, Salford and Hull FC in the race for the play-offs though Salford and Hull FC have games to play but they’re against top four occupants Huddersfield and Champions St Helens respectively.
As for Hull KR, a win would see them return to the top six which they slipped out of after Tony Smith announced he’d be leaving at the end of the year but Danny McGuire has turned things around again and has the play-offs firmly in his sights.
As he goes for them, he’s named his team tonight with Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Ryan Hall both able to return and reunite Hull KR’s potent left edge.
However, Mikey Lewis isn’t ready to play so Jez Litten remains in the halves and is joined by loose-forward Elliot Minchella with Rowan Milnes curiously absent compounding Will Dagger’s absence.
Interestingly, Ethan Ryan moves to fullback as Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e drops the bench.
As for Leeds, they also have a loose-forward in the halves in Cameron Smith with Blake Austin only fit for the bench.
Liam Tindall replaces the suspended David Fusitu’a on the wing. Morgan Gannon and Bodene Thompson start in the backrow with Rhyse Martin banned and James Bentley curiously absent.
Jarrod O’Connor meanwhile drops to loose-forward as Corey Johnson starts on the bench.
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