Hull FC vs Hull KR line-ups predicted as star duo return for Robins

Super League’s top two do battle once more this week as Hull FC host Hull KR for the second time in a fortnight. The Robins were victorious the last time the two sides met, with Willie Peters’ side claiming a spot in the final four of the Challenge Cup.

However, that win might stand for little as the two sides go head to head in the league for the first time this season in the knowledge that whoever wins will end Rivals Round on top of the table.

Both sides have lost just one league game all season, against Wigan Warriors, and they’ll fancy their chances of claiming the derby day spoils to underline themselves as the best team in Hull and indeed the competition at this present moment.

How Hull FC and Hull KR could line up on Good Friday

For John Cartwright, selection this week looks fairly straightforward. The head coach made just one change to his 21-man squad, with Denive Balmforth coming in for Hugo Salabio, and it seems safe to assume much of his 17 will remain unchanged.

In fact, the starting 13 probably will be, with Will Pryce at full-back, Jordan Rapana at centre and Zak Hardaker in the back-row alongside Ed Chamberlain. Balmforth’s inclusion makes him an option and Cartwright will likely be choosing between either him or Logan Moy.

Rovers’ side picks itself for the most part, too, assuming Mikey Lewis is fit after picking up a groin injury last time out against the Black and Whites. Arthur Mourgue plays at full-back with Jack Broadbent set to come off the bench. James Batchelor’s fitness will likely see him come back into the starting line-up, too, with Kelepi Tanginoa dropping to the bench.

Predicted Hull FC line-up: Will Pryce; Tom Briscoe, Jordan Rapana, Davy Litten, Lewis Martin; Cade Cust, Aidan Sezer; Herman Ese’ese, Amir Bourouh, Liam Knight; Zak Hardaker, Ed Chamberlain; John Asiata.

Bench: Yusuf Aydin, Jack Ashworth, Sam Eseh, Denive Balmforth.

Predicted Hull KR line-up: Arthur Mourgue; Tom Davies, Peta Hiku, Oliver Gildart, Joe Burgess; Mikey Lewis, Tyrone May; Sauaso Sue, Jez Litten, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves; Dean Hadley, James Batchelor, Elliot Minchella.

Bench: Sam Luckley, Jai Whitbread, Jack Broadbent, Kelepi Tanginoa.