The squads have been announced for Saturday’s Super League matches between high-flying sides St Helens and Wakefield Trinity, as well as Hull KR’s trip to an injury-riddled Bradford Bulls.
Bulls coach Kurt Haggerty spoke to the media on Tuesday to confirm that he had just 15 fit players with Bradford hopeful of adding loan players to bolster their squad, which is particularly thin in the halves and outside backs.
Unfortunately those loan deals have not come to fruition with the Bulls unable to add any players, instead relying upon their own academy instead.
That game is an afternoon kick-off on Saturday with the more competitive game, on paper at least, being between St Helens and Wakefield Trinity, who sit third and second respectively in Super League.
Paul Rowley and Daryl Powell have now also named their squads for that highly-anticipated evening meeting.
Super League team news
Bradford Bulls versus Hull KR
Kurt Haggerty has named a 19-man squad on account of how many injuries the club have with no recognised halves, with utilty Chris Atkin currently the only player with any real senior experience in the halves.
Centre Harvey Ward has been called into the squad whilst Jack Ormondroyd, who Haggerty had described as 50/50, is named. Even hooker Andy Ackers is out, highlighting the club’s lack of spine players.
Meanwhile, Willie Peters makes just one change as Oliver Gildart drops out after sustaining an injury with back-rower Tom Whitehead the man to replace him.
Bradford Bulls 19-man squad: Caleb Aekins, Chris Atkin, Cam Bate, Ed Chamberlain, Brandon Douglas, Zac Fulton, Will Gardiner, Jamie Gill, Sam Hallas, Alfie Leake, Loghan Lewis, Jack Ormondroyd, Eliot Peposhi, Leon Ruan, Dan Russell, Ethan Ryan, Mitch Souter, Harvey Ward, Connor Wynne
Hull KR 21-man squad: Tom Davies, Peta Hiku, Joe Burgess, Mikey Lewis, Tyrone May, Sauaso Sue, Jez Litten, Tom Amone, Dean Hadley, James Batchelor, Elliot Minchella, Jack Broadbent, Jai Whitbread, Sam Luckley, Rhyse Martin, Jack Brown, Karl Lawton, Jordan Dezaria, Noah Booth, Bill Leyland, Tom Whitehead
St Helens versus Wakefield Trinity
Paul Rowley has made two changes to his 21-man squad with Shane Wright back available after going through HIA protocols, whilst Nene Macdonald is also named in a major boost to the club’s outside backs.
It’s a timely return as Deon Cross drops out having failed a HIA. As does youngster Cole Marsh but Tom Humphreys, who debuted last week, retains his spot.
As for Wakefield Trinity, Daryl Powell has made two changes with key men Max Jowitt and Mason Lino missing out as Ellis Lingard and Will Tate are selected.
It means Josh Rourke will likely continue at full-back with Jack Sinfield also set to partner Jake Trueman in the halves again, whilst Lingard could be an option in the pack.
St Helens 21-man squad: Kyle Feldt, Harry Robertson, Tristan Sailor, Jonny Lomax, Alex Walmsley, Daryl Clark, Matty Lees, Shane Wright, David Klemmer, George Delaney, Matt Whitley, George Whitby, Noah Stephens, Joe Shorrocks, Owen Dagnall, Nene Macdonald, Jake Davies, Alfie Sinclair, Jackson Hastings, Tom Humphreys, Billy Keeley
Wakefield Trinity 21-man squad: Oliver Pratt, Cameron Scott, Corey Hall, Tom Johnstone, Jake Trueman, Mike McMeeken, Tyson Smoothy, Ky Rodwell, Seth Nikotemo, Matty Storton, Jay Pitts, Caleb Hamlin-Uele, Caius Faatili, Harvey Smith, Jack Sinfield, Jayden Myers, Josh Rourke, Tray Lolesio, Ellis Lingard, Will Tate, Charlie Abraham
