How Yorkshire could line up amid talk of War of the Roses return, with Hull KR dominant

It seems that a return of a clash between Lancashire and Yorkshire might be a possibility next year – and the Yorkshire side could be Hull KR-heavy.

Originally called the War of the Roses, Yorkshire faced Lancashire for a number of years, before it took a decade-long hiatus, then returning from 2001 to 2003 as the County of Origin series.

The century-long rivalry culminated with the sides winning 44 games each, meaning if it was to return as a concept, the next winners would immediately go ahead in the all-time rankings.

Here’s how Yorkshire might line up if it did indeed return.

How Yorkshire could line up amid talk of War of the Roses return

Fullback: Niall Evalds (Hull KR)

When fit, Evalds is one of Super League’s very best fullbacks, and he showed that for Hull KR this year.

Under a high ball, he’s excellent and has creativity up there with the elite.

Wingers: Ash Handley (Leeds Rhinos) and Tom Johnstone (Wakefield Trinity)

Two of the competition’s best and most long-lasting try-scorers, this would be a formidable duo.

Between them, there have been 289 Super League tries over the last decade, making these two an easy choice.

Centres: Jake Wardle (Wigan Warriors) and Harry Newman (Leeds Rhinos)

Harry Newman is a big part of the England setup nowadays, making him a likely starter despite Toby King’s form.

Halifax-born Jake Wardle, who is currently at Super League champions Wigan Warriors, would go alongside him as arguably the best centre in Super League.

Halves: Jordan Abdull (Hull FC) and Mikey Lewis (Hull KR)

There aren’t many good halves hailing from Yorkshire around, but Mikey Lewis is up there with the best in the competition.

Alongside him, it would likely be Jordan Abdull to allow Jake Connor to be a utility option on the bench.

Other options could be Jake Trueman and Rowan Milnes.

Front row: Robbie Mulhern (Leigh Leopards), Daryl Clark (St Helens) and Tom Burgess (Huddersfield Giants)

Robbie Mulhern’s form currently puts him in the highest echelon of props, pushing Alex Walmsley out, while Huddersfield’s NRL recruit Tom Burgess would also surely be selected.

Daryl Clark, meanwhile, is an excellent hooker and should be the first choice for the number nine role.

Back row: James Batchelor, Dean Hadley and Elliot Minchella (all Hull KR)

An all-Hull KR affair here as it sees a trio that know each other very well line up with each other on a new stage.

Bench: Alex Walmsley (St Helens), Tyler Dupree (Wigan Warriors), Jez Litten (Hull KR), Cameron Smith (Leeds Rhinos)

These players could all easily have been in the starting 13, but provide cover in positions that work together.

18th man: Jake Connor (Leeds Rhinos)

Connor is able to cover so many positions that he is one of the perfect candidates to be in and around a squad but whether he could force his way into the 17-man squad is another question.