Leeds v Hull KR: Predicted line-ups and late injury news

Tonight’s game has a very different complexion following yesterday’s result. Initially, most believed this would be a do or die encounter with the winner securing a play-off spot and the loser forced to wait for 2022. Instead, Castleford’s defeat means both sides are nailed on for the top six. All that’s at stake tonight is fifth and a trip to Wigan. Meanwhile, the losers will take on Warrington away next week.

The new changed stakes could have an impact on Richard Agar’s thinking going into tonight’s clash. Anyone carrying the slightest knock will not be risked whilst I don’t think Rob Lui will feature despite the fact he is now fit to play following concussion protocols. Why? As Leeds’ last remaining natural halfback, Agar will not want him ruled out of the play-offs and his knack for dropping in after an absence and impressing could see him saved for next week leaving Kruise Leeming and Richie Myler in the halves and Jack Broadbent at fullback. Leeds will still go strong where they can however as they look to build momentum into next week hoping to forget about their humbling at St Helens. Konrad Hurrell could return after injury and if he does I can see him starting on the bench to give Leeds some much needed size with their injury crisis now localised to the pack.

As for Hull KR and Tony Smith, the same principles will apply. Where they can, the Robins will go with their strongest possible side as they look to finish inside the top five for the first time since 2009. That said, if anyone is carrying a knock, they will certainly be rested. It could be a good opportunity for Smith to give some minutes to big Korbin Sims whilst testing some combinations out wide with Ryan Hall and Greg Minikin injured.

Leeds
27 Jack Broadbent
24 Luke Briscoe
3 Harry Newman
2 Tom Briscoe
5 Ash Handley
9 Kruise Leeming
16 Richie Myler
18 Tom Holroyd
14 Brad Dwyer
10 Matt Prior
31 Morgan Gannon
12 Rhyse Martin
20 Bodene Thompson
Substitutes
4 Konrad Hurrell
17 Cameron Smith
25 James Donaldson
32 Corey Johnson

Hull KR
19 Will Dagger
2 Ben Crooks
11 Brad Takairangi
4 Shaun Kenny-Dowall
33 Jimmy Keinhorst
20 Mikey Lewis
7 Jordan Abdull
16 George King
9 Matt Parcell
26 Will Maher
27 Luis Johnson
12 Kane Linnett
18 Matty Storton
Substitutes
8 Albert Vete
10 Korbin Sims
14 Jez Litten
28 Muizz Mustapha