Leeds Rhinos vs Hull KR: Kick-off time, TV channel and predicted line-ups

Many Leeds fans hoped their battle with Hull KR would be framed by the narrative of two major arrivals, instead the story for the Rhinos is one of mix and match as Leeds look to find enough bodies to name a team.

The first of these hoped arrivals was Rohan Smith. Many Rhinos supporters hoped the club’s new Head Coach would be here in time to tango with uncle Tony who takes charge of Hull KR against his former club just over a week since confirming his Robins departure will come at the end of 2022. There will be no family reunion for him however and instead his focus lies on maintaining his side’s brilliant momentum going into next week’s Challenge Cup semi-final with Huddersfield.

Rohan Smith’s arrival won’t come until the start of next week, but Leeds fans were hopeful that they’d be able to see Zak Hardaker make his second Leeds debut over 11 years since his first. He was set to be a major boost for the Rhinos who now only have 19 available players. However, after suffering a seizure on Tuesday and being medically stood down, the narrative no longer hinges on him or Rohan Smith, but instead on Leeds’ desperation to find some sort of result despite their struggles.

Kick-off time and TV channel

The game kicks off at 20:00.

There is no live TV coverage but highlights will be available on Super League’s YouTube channel and BBC’s Super League Show.

Predicted Line-ups

Leeds Rhinos
You’re unlikely to see a Leeds team that resembles what we expected from the Rhinos in 2022. With 19 players available and with Levi Edwards seemingly remaining at York on loan, the Rhinos will again do it tough. With no Zak Hardaker, Jack Broadbent will remain at fullback where he did well last week. 17-year-old Max Simpson will stay at centre whilst Rhyse Martin will join him in the centres. Leeds will be hoping Liam Tindall has recovered from his injury to feature on the wing. Blake Austin should return to partner Jack Sinfield in the halves as skipper Leeming returns to nine. Rhyse Martin’s move to centre could see James Donaldson start in the backrow or a first Leeds appearance of the season for Sam Walters.

23 Jack Broadbent
29 Liam Tindall
12 Rhyse Martin
28 Max Simpson
5 Ash Handley
6 Blake Austin
32 Jack Sinfield
8 Mikolaj Oledzki
9 Kruise Leeming
10 Matt Prior
21 Morgan Gannon
25 James Donaldson
17 Cameron Smith
Substitutes
14 Brad Dwyer
19 Bodene Thompson
24 Jarrod O’Connor
27 Muizz Mustapha

Hull KR
Some might expect Tony Smith to rest a few with a cup semi-final around the corner, and Hull KR certainly have the players to do so with Brad Takairangi and co not getting a look in the side recently. However, the talk in the camp has not been about this so expect a strong Hull KR side to take to the field at Headingley. The only change could be a forced one in the backrow following Kane Linnett’s torn bicep. Sam Wood may return to the side to fill in here.

1 Lachlan Coote
23 Ethan Ryan
2 Ben Crooks
4 Shaun Kenny-Dowall
5 Ryan Hall
21 Rowan Milnes
7 Jordan Abdull
13 Matty Storton
14 Jez Litten
10 George King
11 Dean Hadley
24 Sam Wood
17 Elliot Minchella
Substitutes
8 Albert Vete
16 Korbin Sims
18 Jimmy Keinhorst
25 Greg Richards