Hull KR v Leeds Rhinos line-ups predicted as key forwards set for return

Hull KR can go six points clear atop Super League if they beat Leeds Rhinos and we’ve predicted how both sides will line up.

After Wigan Warriors’ 18-8 defeat to Leigh Leopards, both Leeds and Hull KR can earn big wins with the Robins looking to extend their lead at the top whilst the Rhinos will hope to close the gap on second.

The problem for Leeds is that Hull KR have only lost once all year and their only defeats in the last calendar year have come at the hands of Wigan.

Leeds were leading 14-6 when the teams met at Headingley earlier in the year but Willie Peters’ side secured a comeback win with three late tries making it 20-14 and helping contribute to their current winning streak.

Ahead of one of Super League’s most hotly-anticipated games of the year, we’ve predicted how both Hull KR and Leeds Rhinos will line up based on the 21-man squads.

Hull KR predicted team

Hull KR head coach Willie Peters confirmed that Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Micky McIlorum would be subject to late fitness tests but given the importance of this game, much like their Wembley appearance, both could be asked to play an opening 20 minute stint to help set the tone.

That would see Jez Litten and Jai Whitbread drop to the bench with Bill Leyland and Jack Brown dropping out of the squad.

Rhyse Martin would start in the second-row in the absence of James Batchelor with both Jai Whitbread and Kelepi Tanginoa looking like likely replacements off the bench, along with Geordie offload king Sam Luckley.

Predicted Hull KR XIII: Arthur Mourgue; Tom Davies, Peta Hiku, Jack Broadbent, Joe Burgess; Mikey Lewis, Tyrone May; Sauaso Sue, Micky McIlorum, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves; Rhyse Martin, Dean Hadley, Elliot Minchella

Interchanges: Jez Litten, Jai Whitbread, Kelepi Tanginoa, Sam Luckley

Leeds Rhinos predicted team

Brad Arthur left leading try-scorer Riley Lumb out last week with Alfie Edgell favoured and after Edgell went well, he could well retain that position.

One thing that will change is that James Bentley will return after illness ruled him out last week. He could start from the bench with Jack Sinfield potentially the man to miss out as the Rhinos pack their bench with forwards.

As for which forwards start and where, it’s hard to say given how much depth and versatility they have. Oledzki at prop is a given but beyond that, every player could either start, be benched or even miss out, whilst Jack Sinfield is the man we’re touting to be 18th man.

Predicted Leeds Rhinos XIII: Lachie Miller; Ryan Hall, Harry Newman, Ash Handley, Alfie Edgell; Brodie Croft, Jake Connor; Mikolaj Oledzki, Jarrod O’Connor, Keenan Palasia; James McDonnell, Kallum Watkins, Cameron Smith

Interchanges: Cooper Jenkins, Tom Holroyd, Sam Lisone, James Bentley