The last two weeks have been a testament to their Super League campaigns and has come down to this. Who will finish bottom after round 19? Here’s everything you need to know…
TEAM FORM GUIDE
London
Since their return to Super League via the last ever Million Pound Game, the Broncos have spent the majority of this season at the bottom of the table.
However since their shocking win over the league leaders St Helens (Golden Point), London have excelled on their travels to Catalan Dragons (30-12)
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Hull KR
The Red Robins have had an underwhelming season so far under their previous head coach Tim Sheens, who had recently departed after three years in charge of the East Hull side.
Since then Grand Final winner Tony Smith has taken the reigns and has proved to be an excellent signing, beating his former club Warrington Wolves (16-14)
SQUAD NEWS
London
Head coach Danny Ward has made only one change to the 19 that travelled to France with Matt Fleming dropping out and being replaced by Ben Hellewell.
London’s 19-man squad: Jordan Abdull, Eddie Battye, Robert Butler, James Cunningham, Kieran Dixon, Matty Fozard, Matt Gee, Ben Hellewell, Mark Ioane, Elliot Kear, Olsi Krasniqi, Ryan Morgan, Nathan Mason, Jay Pitts, Greg Richards, Morgan Smith, Alex Walker, Rhys Williams, Luke Yates.
Hull KR
Rovers have had a productive week as they bring in three new loan signings, Daniel Murray (Salford Red Devils), Harvey Livett and Luis Johnson (both Warrington Wolves) are included for the first time since their arrivals at Craven Park for the next month.
Second-rower Kane Linnett returns to the side following a concussion against Wigan Warriors, which forced him to miss last week’s win.
Mitch Garbutt, Owen Harrison, Adam Rooks, Harry Bardle and Shaun Lunt all drop out of the previous squad for Thursday’s trip to Ealing due to their respective injuries.
Hull KR’s 19-man squad: Adam Quinlan, Craig Hall, Ben Crooks, Jimmy Keinhorst, Ryan Shaw, Robbie Mulhern, Mose Masoe, Joel Tomkins, Weller Hauraki, Tommy Lee, Chris Atkin, George Lawler, Kane Linnett, Josh Drinwkater, Will Dagger, Daniel Murray, Harvey Livett, Luis Johnson.
HEAD TO HEAD
The history between the two sides has not been looking good for London as they haven’t beaten Hull KR for six years.
Their last win was by 34 points to 22 at Craven Park and since then they have always fell short. Their recent meeting was earlier this season where Rovers won by 22 points to 12.
It was a poor game to watch in terms of quality and Rovers won ugly. But with the two sides having the winning momentum going into this game, it will look to be one of the best this season.
KEY BATTLE
Jordan Abdull (London) v Chris Atkin (Hull KR)
Despite speculation of his transfer to the Red Robins, Abdull has looked to be one of the players of the season and his contention for the Man of Steel proves just that.
The award is seen as the player who has made the biggest difference, pushing their sides on to win games, and in London’s perspective keep them in touching distance of safety.
Hull KR’s half-back will look to oppose him as he returns to the side since Danny McGuire’s ankle injury and has shown why he is one of the fan favourites.
In their crucial win over Warrington, Atkin had reignited the connection between him and returning full-back Adam Quinlan as they produced the beautiful rugby that Rovers have been lacking all season.
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THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Thursday 20th June 2019
Venue: Trailfinders Sports Ground
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Referee: Chris Kendall
WHO WILL WIN?
As mentioned in the head-to-head, both sides will have the winning momentum going into this crucial relegation battle. But I think the quality that Hull KR possess on and off the field will see them the two points.
