Last week, Hull KR shocked Warrington Wolves with a superb performance spearheaded by Rowan Milnes at scrum-half.
The young halfback has struggled for opportunities in 2022 despite some outstanding performances last year and a spectacular try against Hull FC in the derby.
But the quality of Jordan Abdull and the form of fellow youngster Mikey Lewis who has scored five tries and assisted a further four in the league so far this season has kept Milnes on the outside. There was an assumption that this would remain the case tonight despite his stunning performance last week however he has been included in Tony Smith’s side in their Challenge Cup quarter-final against Castleford.
He starts at seven alongside Mikey Lewis tonight whilst Jordan Abdull starts on the bench for the Robins in something of a twist from Smith in terms of his team selection. Interestingly, Abdull is also joined by Jez Litten on the bench giving Smith lots of attacking potential amongst his interchanges.
Your CUP 17' 🙌💥#UpTheRobins 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/gUbg11OxQl
— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) April 8, 2022
Interestingly, Smith’s opposite number Lee Radford had an interesting call to make at second-row with George Lawler suspended and unable to play against his former club. Natural backrow Alex Sutcliffe was thought of as an option after all he’s a cup winner himself having helped Leeds to the trophy in 2020. However, Radford has preferred prop George Griffin with Daniel Smith coming into the front row after missing the win over Toulouse giving the Tigers massive size in the middle.
🏆 Here is how Castleford Tigers lineup for @TheChallengeCup quarter-final against Hull KR!
Sponsored by @GeoShieldUK 🤝@georgegriffin4 marks his 200th career game with a start in the back-row 👏
📺 LIVE on @PremierSportsTV #NewCasEra | #COYF pic.twitter.com/eCzmjbCGW6
— Castleford Tigers (@CTRLFC) April 8, 2022