Round 14 will come to a close at KCOM Craven Park where Hull Kingston Rovers will host the league leaders St Helens. Here’s everything you need to know..
TEAM FORM GUIDE
Hull KR
On Sunday, it will be over a month since the Red Robins last won a Super League fixture, that being the home tie to Leeds Rhinos, which ended on 45-26.
Their poor run of form has seen them plummet down the league table and has put them in 11th position, just above London Broncos.
St Helens
On the other hand, it will have been a month since the league leaders were last defeated, which was on their travels to the south of France where they lost to Catalans Dragons 18-10.
Ever since that defeat, Saints have endured a winning run which currently stands at four consecutive games.
SQUAD NEWS
Hull KR
Head coach Tim Sheens has made two changes to last week’s squad by bringing in two young forwards, Adam Rooks and Harry Bardle. They replace skipper Joel Tomkins and youngster Owen Harrison.
Hull KR’s 19-man squad: Hall, Crooks, Keinhorst, Shaw, McGuire, Mulhern, Lunt, Hauraki, Atkin, Vaivai, Addy, Lawler, Lannon, Linnett, Drinkwater, Oakes, Rooks, Bardle, Maria.
St Helens
Captain James Roby was rested in the win over Catalans last weekend, whilst Tommy Makinson missed out due to a back problem. Morgan Knowles was suspended after picking up a one match ban but all three senior figures are expected to return to the squad. Youngsters Aaron Smith, James Bentley and Joe Batchelor are the three that make way.
Holbrook has the luxury to choose from three halves, with Danny Richardson, Theo Fages and Jonny Lomax all named.
St Helens 19-man squad: Lomax, Makinson, Naiqama, Grace, Fages, Richardson, Walmsley, Roby, Taia, Paulo, Knowles, Amor, Peyroux, Swift, Lees, Ashworth, Cootem, Costello, Welsby.
HEAD TO HEAD
Their previous encounter was at Saints’ Totally Wicked Stadium and it looked have to been quite the scare for the fans as Hull KR came close to beating them, but the game ended with Saints winning 36-24.
However on the other hand, Rovers have come out as victors when it comes to playing Saints at Craven Park. Their last win was four years ago when they came out 24-22 winners.
KEY BATTLE
Josh Drinkwater (Hull KR) v Lachlan Coote (St Helens)
Neutral fans of this great sport will hope the two sides can replicate their previous encounter earlier this season and it will up to the two backs to help make a difference.
It could also be a match where both players can really show what they are made of. On one hand, half-back Drinkwater has produced 71 attacking kicks to his name, which only Castleford’s Jake Trueman has more.
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Coote has made 42 kicks, but was rested for last weekend’s win over Catalan. The fullback will be fresh as a daisy to add to his 11 assists so far.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Sunday 5th May
Venue: KCOM Craven Park
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Liam Moore
WHO WILL WIN?
Despite Rovers’ efforts during their previous encounter with Saints, I believe it will be Saints that will continue their winning run and Rovers that will fall short for another week.
