The first of the day’s Challenge Cup quarter-finals sees Hull KR host Leigh Leopards with last year’s finalists set to face off at Craven Park for a shot in the final four.
Much has been made of this game being a repeat of last year’s dramatic final at Wembley, something that Rovers head coach Willie Peters has poured water on with the revelation that his side haven’t spoken about the game.
“Why would I want to bring negative emotion up?”, was Peters’ response when asked if that day at Wembley had mentioned. Instead, Hull KR have focused on the two wins they managed over Adrian Lam’s side after that Wembley defeat, both of which came at Craven Park.
As for Leigh Leopards, Adrian Lam has revealed how that win at Wembley made a dream he had as a child come true, even labelling it as one of the greatest moments in club history.
Lam has revealed that Leigh Leopards could be boosted by the return of two injured forwards which would be a major boost for the club, whilst Hull KR were able to name a very strong squad with the major absentee being former Leigh man Oliver Gildart.
Both head coaches have now named their squads in anticipation the game that will kick off at 5pm live on BBC Two and the BBC iPlayer.
Leigh Leopards dealt injury blow
Hull KR have indeed named a very strong squad with the one change from their win over London Broncos being the return of Joe Burgess and Dean Hadley.
They enter the fray in place of Louis Senior and the suspended Sam Luckley with Jez Litten also returning to start in place of last week’s hattrick hero Matt Parcell.
Young Leo Tennison earns a spot on the bench whilst former Leopard Ben Reynolds who is cup-tied heads out on dual registration to Featherstone Rovers.
As for Leigh Leopards, the major news focuses on if Robbie Mulhern and Tom Amone will play and a decision has now been made.
Only one of those men passes fit and it’s Tom Amone with Mulhern missing out altogether but the major new teams see star signing Matt Moylan move to full-back in the absence of Gareth O’Brien.
It is worth noting that Moylan played much of his NRL career at full-back but having been signed as a half-back it’s a surprise move, particularly when Leigh have Zak Hardaker as an incredibly capable full-back.
That sees Ben McNamara move into the halves with signing Brad Dwyer starting at nine.
Former Hull KR man Frankie Halton starts against his old club.
Hull KR Squad
Our starting line-up for today’s Betfred Challenge Cup Quarter-Final 👊🏆#UpTheRobins🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/lflPSKliGw
— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) April 13, 2024
Leigh Leopards Squad
🐆𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗘 𝗖𝗨𝗣 𝗦𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗗🐆
Starting 13, Interchanges and 18th selected… 90 minutes to kick off!@hullkrofficial vs Leopards | 5PM KO pic.twitter.com/mh1Ic2oIaS
— Leigh Leopards (@LeighLeopardsRL) April 13, 2024
