Hull KR will be without Mikey Lewis when they take on Leigh Leopards in Super League next Saturday. The reigning Man of Steel took a blow to the head during Sunday’s clash with Leeds Rhinos at Craven Park and ultimately failed a head injury assessment.
As such, he had to watch on from the sidelines as Rovers were beaten by the Rhinos on home soil and due to concussion protocols, Lewis will sit out of the clash with Leigh next week at Leigh Sports Village.
After such a setback on Sunday, the trip to Leigh is a big one for the Robins, who will be determined to get back on the horse and return to winning ways against a side that has earned the right to be labelled as legitimate challengers.
The Leopards currently sit fourth in the league table and after beating Wigan Warriors for the second time this season on Friday night, they’ll be full of belief as they prepare to host the Robins.
How KR choose to replace Lewis will be absolutely pivotal then and with that in mind, here’s a look at the options Willie Peters will be mulling over.
Hull KR half-back options
Jez Litten
Litten was the man to slot into the halves in Lewis’ absence against Leeds with Micky McIlorum playing big minutes on his return to the fold. He is more than capable in the position and memories of what he can offer at six will be still relatively fresh in Willie Peters’ mind, with the hooker stepping in brilliantly against Hull FC earlier in the season.
The playmaker kept the role for the visit of Wigan a week later in Lewis’ absence and helped KR get off to a strong start in that game before the Warriors pushed on to victory in the second half. Ultimately, though, by moving Litten into the halves, Rovers would lose his spark and creativity around the ruck, which has been so key this season so far.
Danny Richardson
The half-back has just spent the last two weeks on loan at Salford Red Devils where he picked up some much-needed minutes. That loan could have been well-timed, too, with Richardson being fit and ready to go if Peters were to look his way.
In truth, he is the most likely option, with the scrum-half bringing a kicking game which will be handy against the game Leopards. It’s a change that would see Tyrone May take on the stand-off role, with Richardson undoubtedly more comfortable at seven.
Jack Broadbent
Broadbent currently has a spot at centre and Peters is unlikely to want to move him from that, especially while he’s playing so well. However, prior to joining the Robins he was seen as a half-back option and has represented both Castleford Tigers and Leeds in the halves.
Arthur Mourgue
Like Broadbent, Mourgue has a settled place in the side at full-back and Peters is unlikely to want to change that. However, Mourgue is more than comfortable in the line and played the role semi-regularly during his time with Catalans Dragons. Selecting him in the halves would force Peters to shuffle things about, with Jack Broadbent likely to drop back and Noah Booth coming into the outside backs.
Peta Hiku
Like Broadbent and Mourgue, seeing Hiku in the halves seems unlikely given his importance at centre. He played in the halves earlier in the season in the absence of May and then Lewis, and therefore, he has to be considered as a potential option. With the options available above though, it’s hard to see Peters looking his way this time around.
