The sixth round of the Super League comes to its conclusion when Hull Kingston Rovers host Catalan Dragons on St. Patrick’s Day. Here’s everything you need know.
TEAM FORM GUIDE
Hull Kingston Rovers
The Red and Whites have come away from back-to-back defeats to Salford and Castleford with their first away win of the season against Wakefield Trinity.
It was a match that was described as their best defensive performance of the season and it was the first time they haven’t conceded a try since 2011.
Catalan Dragons
The Dragons have failed to win their first away win of the season but they haven’t lost the respect of their opponents throughout the Super League.
This is a team that has beaten a strong Warrington side in not just the Challenge Cup Final last year but also last weekend.
They will be coming out all guns blazing after their heavy 46-0 whitewash to Salford last weekend.
SQUAD NEWS
Hull Kingston Rovers
After serving a Grade D disciplinary charge, Joel Tomkins is expected to return to the second row and lead the team out of the tunnel once again this Sunday.
After picking up an injury against Castleford Tigers and sitting out of last week’s victory over Wakefield, Robbie Mulhern has been selected to bolster the forward pack.
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After an impressive first game of 2019 last time out, Will Oakes has every right to hope to feature this Sunday, with players continuing to battle it out for a place on the edge.
Hull KR’s 19-man squad: Hall, Keinhorst, Shaw, McGuire, Mulhern, Masoe, Tomkins, Hauraki, Garbutt, Lee, Atkin, Vaivai, Addy, Lawler, Linnett, Drinkwater, Oakes, Dagger, Rooks.
Catalan Dragons
Alrix Da Costa and Tony Gigot received the green light from the medical staff and are back in the squad.
Arthur Romano could also make his first appearance of the season.
David Mead, Michael McIlorum, Mika Simon, Ben Garcia and Jodie Broughton are all out of Sunday’s game.
Catalan’s 19-man squad: Gigot, Wiliame, Tierney, Langi, Smith, Casty, Moa, Edwards, Bird, Bousquet, Jullien, Whitley, Da Costa, Goudemand, Albert, Baitieri, Romano, Yaha, Tomkins.
HEAD TO HEAD
Despite Catalan’s poor form, they still lead Rovers in the head-to-head stats. Altogether the two sides have met 18 times and the Dragons have won 12.
However with the home advantage supporting Rovers, they will hope to repeat their previous performance against the Dragons, which ended in a comfortable 23-4 win.
KEY BATTLE
Mitch Garbutt (Hull Kingston Rovers) v Kenny Edwards (Catalan Dragons)
Both players are competing against each other in the Man of Steel table, which will make it an interesting head-to-head. Which of these will spur their team on to glory?
Starting with the Red and Whites, Garbutt has impressed in his debut season at Craven Park getting three tries as well making 791 metres in 112 carries.
Dragons player Edwards has one try and one assist to his name. But due to his side’s poor form, Edwards has ran 415 metres in 59 carries, which is still pretty impressive!
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Sunday 17th February
Venue: KCOM Craven Park
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: James Child
WHO WILL WIN?
Despite Catalan leading the head-to-head stats, there is no doubt they will want to bounce back from their whitewash last weekend. However, Rovers will be full of confidence after beating an in-form Wakefield side at Belle Vue. Overall with Rovers having the home advantage, I root for them to win by 12.
