Revealed: Ryan Hall was willing to play with nasty injury before pulling out

After yesterday’s amazing Challenge Cup semi-final at the home of Warrington Wolves as Leigh leopards simply found a way to defeat Super League and World Champions St Helens, we were all looking forward to today’s Challenge Cup semi-final.

Two teams who have served up classic matches this season including a shock opening day win for Hull KR against Wigan Warriors and golden point revenge for Wigan against Hull KR at Cravane Park, the game was poised to be a terrific contest at the home of Leeds Rhinos: Headingley.

The atmosphere before the game was electric especially from the Hull KR fans but their joy would soon turn to despiar.

Hull KR have been struck by a huge blow before kick-off in their Challenge Cup semi-final with Wigan Warriors.

Sadly, Ryan Hall has been a very late withdrawal from the side.

He left training before the rest of the squad and could be seen being consoled in the changing room.

It has now been confirmed that Hall was a late withdrawal with Mikey Lewis coming off the bench to start at fullback, Ethan Ryan moving to the wing and 18th man Jimmy Keinhorst coming onto the bench having been named at the 18th man.

Hall went off injured last week against Leeds Rhinos. It was a calf injury that made him a doubt in the words of Willie Peters but he backed the ultimate professional to find a way to be fit and it seemed he would only to pull out at the last minute.

Elliot Minchella meanwhile has battled back to be able to start at 13.

Mikey Lewis and Kane Linnett are both back from head knocks suffered in the Hull derby against Hull FC.

It can be expected that Hall is absent due to the fact his calf injury flared up.

That has now been confirmed by the BBC who have reported he has a torn calf.

“Ryan Hall looking very disconsolate in the tunnel. The Hull KR winger, a veteran these days but he tore his calf last week in the game against Leeds.

“He was touch and go all week, gave it a go in the warm up but decided he wasn’t fit enough to make it.”