Ben Guzdek previews the upcoming clash between Super League’s Hull KR against Leigh from the Championship.
FORM LINE
Hull KR
The East Hull have yet to build on their opening round win over Wakefield Trinity, failing to win their last five games.
However, their latest defeat at Wigan showed once again that they will not go down without a fight.
Leigh
The Centurions are yet to be defeated this season but their upcoming opponents will be their toughest test yet.
A win against a Super League team will certainly add to their perfect start to the season.
SQUAD NEWS
Hull KR
Adam Quinlan, Weller Hauraki and Dean Hadley all return to the squad after recovering from injuries.
Whereas Matthew Storton, Robbie Mulhern, Will Maher, Greg Minikin and Joe Keyes have all been ruled out of this week’s game.
Rovers’ latest signing, Nathaniel Peteru is not yet available for selection as we await approval on his visa.
Hull KR’s 20-man squad: 1. Adam Quinlan 3. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 4. Kane Linnett 7.Jordan Abdull 11. Weller Hauraki 12. Harvey Livett 13. Dean Hadley 15. George Lawler 16. Dan Murray 17. Kyle Trout 18. Jez Litten 19. Will Dagger 20. Mikey Lewis 21. Owen Harrison 22. Nick Rawsthorne 23. Ethan Ryan 26. Matty Gee 27. Elliot Minchella 29. Anesu Mudoti 31. Ryan Brierley
Leigh
Head Coach John Duffy makes no changes to his 21-man squad but former Robins Danny Addy and Ryan Shaw will look to make their return to Hull College Craven Park.
Leigh’s 21-man squad:
1. Gregg McNally 3. Iain Thornley 4. Junior Sa’u 5. Adam Higson 6. Ben Reynolds 7. Jarrod Sammut 8. Nathan Mason 9. Liam Hood 10. Mark Ioane 11. Ben Hellewell 13. Danny Addy 14. Matty Wildie 15. Jordan Thompson 17. Josh Woods 18. Tom Spencer 21. Nick Glohe22. Craig Mullen23. Callum Field 27. Alex Gerrard 28. Ryan Shaw
KEY STAT
At the same stage of the competition last year, Leigh pushed the Super League team all the way but were beaten in the closing stages, bowing out 14-10.
In fact, this is the third time in four seasons that the clubs have been paired together in the Challenge Cup.
But with Hull KR’s bad luck with injuries, can Leigh pounce on this opportunity with a full strength team?
BATTLE TO WATCH
Ethan Ryan and Ryan Shaw (wingers) will be up against their former sides and will look to add their names on the scoresheets.
Both players will possess the same qualities that their position requires but it’s their weak defending that should be top of the comparisons.
Ethan’s height and strength will play to his advantage whereas Shaw has that wildcard factor that comes at unexpected times.
GAME DETAILS
Date: Sunday 15th March 2020
Venue: Hull College Craven Park
Kick-off: 3pm
