Hull KR host St Helens in the second Super League semi-final and both teams will have a key selection call to make, and we’ve predicted how that will go.
For the hosts, it revolves around veteran hooker Micky McIlorum with the former Wigan and Catalans man less than two months into recovery from a fractured ankle.
Peters has insisted all along that if any player can recover in time then it is McIlorum, with his previous admission noting that it would be sad to see the veteran’s career end on such an injury.
It has since been confirmed that McIlorum will retire at the end of the year meaning this could be his last game if Hull KR lose, and of course, if he is even selected.
As for St Helens, their main concern is around centre Mark Percival who Paul Wellens had confirmed hadn’t trained this week, when asked by Serious About Rugby League on Wednesday.
The centre appeared to pick up a knock to his knee in the win over Leeds and whilst he ceded kicking duties, he did manage to play on.
McIlorum and Percival’s inclusion as well as other selection issues are hot topics and we’ve predicted how we think Hull KR and St Helens will line up on Saturday evening at Craven Park.
How Hull KR could line up against Saints
Whilst named in the 21-man squad, it just seems too early for Micky McIlorum with the injury, which was sustained in training, happening in early to mid-August – around eight weeks ago, with a typical recovery being around twelve weeks.
Similar questions and skepticism was held when McIlorum was named ahead of the Challenge Cup Final and he played that game before then recovering for weeks after. With a Grand Final still to come, Hull KR might not gamble on McIlorum’s fitness this week but instead gamble on the fact they can make the Grand Final, and send McIlorum off in a fit of glory at Old Trafford.
It’s also worth noting that Jez Litten is the Super League Dream Team hooker so they don’t lose anything by not selecting McIlorum, and it also allows a packed bench full of forwards in what is expected to be a very physical game.
The other big selection decision is Oliver Gildart or Jack Broadbent at centre and Peters might favour the latter based on what he brings to the Robins’ attack, which has been misfiring of late. Backing Broadbent, who has proven himself all year and 27 try involvements in Super League this year, seems the more attacking option to help break down a rigid Saints’ defence.
It’s business as usual for the rest of the squad with Joe Burgess returning after his recent injury with only McIlorum and winger Lee Kershaw (ACL) missing out through injury.
Predicted Hull KR XIII: Arthur Mourgue; Tom Davies, Peta Hiku, Jack Broadbent, Joe Burgess; Mikey Lewis, Tyrone May; Sauaso Sue, Jez Litten, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves; James Batchelor, Rhyse Martin, Elliot Minchella
Interchanges: Dean Hadley, Sam Luckley, Jai Whitbread, Kelepi Tanginoa
Our 21-man squad for Saturday’s Semi-Final is IN 🤩#UpTheRobins🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/naWi7giByy
— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) October 2, 2025
How St Helens could line up against Rovers
Whilst Hull KR might not risk McIlorum given the severity of the injury he recovers from, Percival’s issue seems a lot less serious and the decision for him not to train seemed precautionary, rather than forced.
Paul Wellens explained: “Percy didn’t train on field today, because he’s still a bit sore, and given his importance, he was wrapped up in cotton wool a little bit there, but hopefully he’ll train with us Friday with a view to playing.
Friday’s captain’s run will ultimately be the deciding factor but it’s expected Percival will play in what could be an unchanged side, given the fact Kyle Feldt has not overcome his back injury and was dropped from the 21-man squad.
That means Jon Bennison, who is leaving Saints at the end of the year, will play on the wing with Wellens unlikely to make many changes, admitting: “I can’t imagine there being many changes.”
That would suggest the same spine, meaning it would be just the third iteration of Welsby and Lomax in the halves with Sailor at full-back.
Predicted St Helens XIII: Tristan Sailor; Jon Bennison, Harry Robertson, Mark Percival, Deon Cross; Jack Welsby, Jonny Lomax; Alex Walmsley, Daryl Clark, Matty Lees; Matt Whitley, Curtis Sironen, Morgan Knowles
Interchanges: Moses Mbye, Joe Batchelor, James Bell, George Delaney
🔵🔻 𝑺𝑸𝑼𝑨𝑫 𝑵𝑬𝑾𝑺
Head Coach Paul Wellens has named his 21-man Saints squad that will face @hullkrofficial in the @SuperLeague Semi-Final!
Read more 😇 https://t.co/XyjTIAq4ET#COYS | St Helens Flooring
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) October 2, 2025
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