Hull KR host St Helens tonight in what is set to be yet another heavyweight, dramatic and entertainment-filled clash that could have huge ramifications on the League Leaders’ Shield and the race for second place.
The hosts will be confident heading into the fixture, after not losing to the Saints in over two years. Both sides are without key players for this one, with the Robins missing key members of the forward pack, whilst Saints are forced to choose two new wingers after injuries to Owen Dagnall and Kyle Feldt.
A win for Willie Peters’ men would put them six points clear of Wigan, with three rounds to go. They will have to wait until Saturday evening to see if that gap remains, as the Warriors take on Catalans Dragons in the south of France.
Saints have, on paper, the hardest run-in of all the playoff-chasing teams. Tonight’s match is followed by a local derby against Wigan, before another tough battle the week after against Leigh Leopards. If they are to finish in the top four, let alone the top two, they need to secure some big wins in the coming weeks.
Here is how we expect both teams to line up for tonight’s match:
Hull KR Team News:
Sauaso Sue left to field mere minutes into the defeat to Leeds Rhinos last week, and the prop will miss the next two to four weeks after picking up a knee injury. The Robins are already light in the pack with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves serving a suspension and Jai Whitbread labelled “touch and go” by Willie Peters.
Hull KR Predicted XVII: 35. Arthur Mourgue; 2. Tom Davies, 3. Peta Hiku, 18. Jack Broadbent, 5. Joe Burgess; 6. Mikey Lewis, 7. Tyrone May; 11. Dean Hadley, 9. Jez Litten, 16. Jai Whitbread; 17. Rhyse Martin, 12. James Batchelor, 13. Elliot Minchella
Bench: 15. Sam Luckley, , 20. Kelepi Tanginoa, 21. Jack Brown,24. Eribe Doro
St Helens Team News:
After boss Paul Wellens confirmed a Grade 3 hamstring tear for youngster Owen Dagnall, Kyle Feldt failed on concussion protocols post-match against Hull FC, ruling him out.
There are a number of routes for Saints to go down, with Tristan Sailor, Deon Cross and Harry Robertson all strong contenders for the edge positions.
Alex Walmsley has been tipped for an England call-up at the end of the season by his coach and former teammate. The prop will be looking to continue his incredible form and gain the advantage over a lighter-than-normal Rovers pack.
St Helens Predicted XVII:Â 1. Jack Welsby; 6. Tristan Sailor, 26. Harry Robertson, 4. Mark Percival, 36. Deon Cross; 7. Jonny Lomax, 14. Moses Mbye; 8. Alex Walmsley, 9. Daryl Clark, 10. Matty Lees; 11. Curtis Sironen, 16. Matt Whitley; 13. Morgan Knowles
Bench: 12. Joe Batchelor, 17. Agnatius Paasi, 19. George Delaney, 23. Jake Burns
