Leeds Rhinos v Hull KR predicted line-ups as Willie Peters set for reshuffle

Hull KR have the chance to all but wrap up the League Leaders’ Shield this week when they take on Leeds Rhinos at Headingley. The two sides still have plenty to play for with five rounds remaining and Thursday night’s fixture could have big ramifications on the Super League table.

Rovers will move eight points clear at the top with a win over the Rhinos and that would certainly serve to pile the pressure on Wigan Warriors, who face Wakefield Trinity on Sunday afternoon. Leeds can also put pressure on Wigan, though, with a win over the Robins giving them the opportunity to move level on points with Matt Peet’s side for a few days at the very least.

Indeed, both sides need the win at Headingley and it promises to be a thrilling fixture as the two outfits get round 23 underway. With that in mind, here’s how both teams could line-up on Thursday night.

Leeds boss Brad Arthur has already confirmed that neither Joe Shorrocks nor Mikolaj Oledzki are likely to play against the Robins despite being named in the 21-man squad. As such, Arthur can be expected to name an unchanged 17-man squad with Presley Cassell and Keenan Palasia starting the game through the middle, while Andy Ackers could be given the nod from the start again.

James Bentley looks set to feature through the middle, while Chris Hankinson might just be picked over Riley Lumb once more.

Hull KR look set for something of a shake up, though, with Tyrone May coming back into the fold. The scrum-half has missed the last two games through suspension but he’ll come back into the side to partner Mikey Lewis.

That change means Arthur Mourgue can expect to return to full-back, while Jack Broadbent moves to centre and James Batchelor moves back into the pack. Batchelor’s return to his preferred position may also see Dean Hadley pushed to the front-row and Jai Whitbread dropped to the bench.

With Jared Waerea-Hargreaves serving the first game of his two-match ban, Rovers will be looking to Hadley and Whitbread to play big minutes through the middle, while Sam Luckley will be named on the bench, too.

Bill Leyland can expect to claim the final spot on the bench once more despite being unused last week against Wigan Warriors.

Predicted Leeds Rhinos v Hull KR team news

Leeds Rhinos: Lachie Miller; Chris Hankinson, Harry Newman, Ash Handley, Ryan Hall; Brodie Croft, Jake Connor; Keenan Palasia, Andy Ackers, Presley Cassell; James McDonnell, Morgan Gannon; Kallum Watkins.

Bench: Sam Lisone, James Bentley, Jarrod O’Connor, Ben Littlewood.

Hull KR: Arthur Mourgue; Tom Davies, Peta Hiku, Jack Broadbent, Joe Burgess; Mikey Lewis, Tyrone May; Sauaso Sue, Jez Litten, Dean Hadley; James Batchelor, Rhyse Martin; Elliot Minchella.

Bench: Sam Luckley, Jai Whitbread, Kelepi Tanginoa, Bill Leyland.