Hull KR take on St Helens this evening, and it is set to be yet another enthralling contest between the two sides. However, this time, there is a place at Old Trafford up for grabs, making this one a lot more enticing.
F0llowing the result last night, the winner of today’s game will take on Wigan Warriors after Matt Peet’s side defeated local rivals Leigh Leopards in a semi-final classic.
Whilst the scoreline read 18-6 in the end, four of those Wigan points came in the final minute and even 14-6 would arguably have been harsh on Leigh who were incredibly brave throughout and were the better team in the first half as well. Bevan French and Jai Field’s magic was their undoing, as it has been for so many teams across the years.
Now, attention turns to Sewell Group Craven Park, where the Robins host their second successive semi-final. After defeating Warrington Wolves last year, Willie Peters’ men lost out at the Theatre of Dreams to the Warriors, and it is something they will be looking to avenge should they emerge victorious tonight.
In their way though are a St Helens team that never seem to know when they are beaten, as proven by last week’s incredible comeback win over Leeds Rhinos, as they came from eight points down with five minutes to play. The now infamous ‘Left to Wright’ try in the final play of the game sealed the victory, and will now take their place in the final four.
Here is everything you need to know about this evening’s game, including form guides, head-to-head contests and which positions have the biggest chance of deciding the outcome of the game.
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Hull KR v St Helens semi-final preview
Injury news:
There is some great news for KR, as two of their key players have been deemed fit enough to play this weekend. First, winger Joe Burgess, who has been missing for the last three matches as he recovers from a calf injury. In his position has been youngster Noah Booth and utility man Jack Broadbent, who have both performed well in on the edge. However, having Burgess back gives the Robins that added experience, whilst he also gives them extra yardage with his strong carries when returning the ball.
Also set to return is hooker Michael McIlorum. The former Wigan man has been absent since August after fracturing his ankle, and whilst he is a lot more of a doubt than Burgess, is expected to feature in some capacity. Retiring at the end of the season, the 37-year-old will want to go out with another Grand Final win, and should he do so would make him a three-time winner after success in 2010 and 2013.
For Saints, Mark Percival has been deemed fit to play this week despite picking up a knee injury last week against Leeds. The same can’t be said for wingers Kyle Feldt and Owen Dagnall, however, who both had their own injury problems and haven’t been able to recover in time.
Matty Lees will be back in the side after having to leave AMT Headingley at half-time last week due to the birth of his child. Having him available for the full 80 will be another boost to Paul Wellens’ Old Trafford hopes.
Hull KR 21-man squad: 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, Micky McIlorum, Sam Luckley, Jai Whitbread, Rhyse Martin, Jack Broadbent, Kelepi Tanginoa, Jack Brown, Eribe Doro, Arthur Mourgue.
St Helens 21-man squad: Jack Welsby, Mark Percival, Jon Bennison, Tristan Sailor, Jonny Lomax, Alex Walmsley, Daryl Clark, Matty Lees, Curtis Sironen, Joe Batchelor, Morgan Knowles, Moses Mbye, James Bell, Matt Whitley, Jake Wingfield, George Delaney, Noah Stephens, Jake Burns, Harry Robertson, Deon Cross, Shane Wright.
Form guide and head-to-head:
Both sides come into the game with less than ideal form. The Rovers, despite still winning the league leaders shield, made it more difficult than it needed to be, as won just three of their last five games. However, one of those wins did come against the Saints on home soil, something that they can use in their favour this evening.
The Saints will also need to show some signs of improvement, with the Red Vee winning two of their last five. Even in those wins, they only just scraped through, with the victory against Leeds and a survival of a late Castleford Tigers comeback only just seeing them over the line.
Saints fans may want to look away, as when you look at the last five matches between the two, KR have completed a clean sweep, winning every match. From their most recent meeting at the end of August to the middle of last season where the Robins won 40-20, recent history does not give St Helens a chance. However, playoff rugby is a different animal, and it is one that the Saints thrive in. If they can defend like they did against the Rhinos, and try to provide an attacking threat, they may just be able to scrape over the line.
Hull KR v St Helens last five:
May 4 2024: Hull KR 40-20 St Helens
Aug 24 2024: St Helens 6-42 Hull KR
March 7 2025: St Helens 10-20 Hull KR
May 30 2025: Hull KR 34-4 St Helens
August 29 2025: Hull KR 12-8 St Helens
Who to watch:
When KR are on form, it normally revolves around Mikey Lewis. The Man of Steel nominee has once again had a brilliant year, and will be hoping to be rewarded with an England call-up at the end of the season. For Saints, their attacking threat has been questioned by many this year, but coach Wellens is adamant his sides’ ability to score points is not an issue. Tristan Sailor and Jack Welsby will be ones to keep an eye on, as they will guide their team around when it comes to attacking opportunities.
However, for Saints at least, this game won’t be won with attacking flair. It will be won by strong defence, and instead of who can score the most points, it’s a case of who can concede the least. Morgan Knowles has been one of the best forwards in the competition this year, with Lees and Alex Walmsley looking back to their best too. The Saints pack will need to dominate once again and set a precedent from the off. If they can do that, they may have a chance at reaching the Grand Final.
The battle of the hookers will be a great contest too. Two players who have very different styles of play are Jez Litten and Daryl Clark. Litten poses a strong running threat and has a great kicking game that can cause problems. Meanwhile Clark is an esteemed England international and has a wealth of experience when it comes to the big matches. Both players will be Shaun Wane’s mind at the end of the year, and this game could go a long way as to proving which number nine should get to start against Australia.
How to watch:
Coverage of this game will be shown on two channels. Sky Sports+ have half an hour of pre-match build-up and will start at 5pm, whilst the game will also be shown on BBC2, with coverage there starting at 5:15pm. The game will kick off at 5:30pm (UK time).
