Round 24 of Super League 2019 concludes with Hull Kingston Rovers hosting Castleford Tigers. Here’s everything you need to know.
TEAM FORM GUIDE
Hull KR
The Red Robins have upped their game in recent weeks as they’ve won three of their previous seven games under Tony Smith.
However they still remain in the bottom four and level with London Broncos after failing to make back-to-back wins when they hosted Huddersfield Giants a fortnight ago.
Castleford
The Tigers are also in fine form as they’ve won three of their previous five games, coming away with a surprisingly comfortable 27-18 win over Warrington.
Although they have remained in the top half of the table for the majority of the season, Castleford will look to hold the fifth and final position for the Grand Final play-offs.
SQUAD NEWS
Hull KR
Second-rower Kane Linnett drops out of the squad due to a calf injury, but Smith is able to name the club’s new signings Dean Hadley and Jez Litten, both have joined from Hull FC on loan until the end of the season.
Hull KR’s 19-man squad: Adam Quinlan, Craig Hall, Ben Crooks, Jimmy Keinhorst, Ryan Shaw, Danny McGuire, Robbie Mulhern, Mose Masoe, Joel Tomkins, Weller Hauraki, Mitch Garbutt, Chris Atkin, Danny Addy, George Lawler, Josh Drinkwater, Owen Harrison, Daniel Murray, Dean Hadley, Jez Litten.
Castleford
Daryl Powell has made two changes to his 19-man matchday squad with Cory Aston and Greg Eden coming in for Paul McShane and Tuoyo Egodo.
McShane is serving a one-match ban after the RFL’s match review panel issued him with a Grade B offence in the Tigers previous match against Warrington.
Castleford’s 19-man squad: Cory Aston, Cheyse Blair, James Clare, Chris Clarkson, Greg Eden, Oliver Holmes, Will Maher, Nathan Massey, Peter Mata’utia, Mike McMeeken, Grant Millington, Adam Milner, Greg Minikin, Jacques O’Neill, Jordan Rankin, Jesse Sene-Lefao, Daniel Smith, Jake Trueman, Liam Watts.
HEAD TO HEAD
In the two clubs previous meeting at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle back in March, it was Daryl Powell’s Tigers who were victorious 32-16 winners over the Hull KR side that was lead by former head coach Tim Sheens.
Castleford had also won the previous meeting at Craven Park last year by a comfortable score of 42-14 and haven’t been defeated there for six years.
Hull KR have come close in recent years but unfortunately finished level on points. Last year was a 24-24 draw and 2016 was 16-16.
KEY BATTLE
Joel Tomkins (Hull KR) v Liam Watts (Castleford Tigers)
Although they both play in different positions, what these two players have in common is they’ve both put a shift in for their respective sides.
Liam is statistically the better player out of the two, leading the way in the offload tally with an outstanding 52 so far, Joel currently has 22 to his name.
Tomkins has shown to be the better defender as he hasn’t missed as many tackles as his opponent. He has also conceded less penalties but his only problem can be handling issues.
Although Watts is having the better season so far, both players will have a busy afternoon getting stuck into each other.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Sunday 4th August 2019
Venue: KCOM Craven Park
Kick-off: 15:00 BST
Referee: Chris Kendall
WHO WILL WIN?
It is a huge game for both sides. A defeat plus other results going against them could jeopardise their positions in the league. Although I think Castleford will remain undefeated at Craven Park for a seventh consecutive year.
