With both teams having won two out of three games. Who will make it three wins from four? Let’s find out.
TEAM FORM GUIDE
Hull KR
The Red Robins have faced tough opposition at the start of their Super League 2019 campaign, having beaten their local rivals Hull FC and have fallen short against Warrington Wolves. They also beat the London Broncos last week, which was arguably their worst performance so far. They will look to right those wrongs this weekend.
Salford
The Red Devils have had a comfortable start to the season, beating Huddersfield Giants and London Broncos. However, they didn’t perform at their best when they recently lost to the Rhinos by 46-14 at their own ground.
SQUAD NEWS
Hull KR
Head coach Tim Sheens has made a couple of changes to his squad. Danny Addy and Joel Tomkins have been named in the side after missing the victory over London Broncos last weekend, due to a shoulder injury and concussion, respectively.
Following Ben Crooks’ injury, Ryan Shaw returns to the side, ready to make his first appearance of 2019. James Greenwood has been left out of selection after suffering concussion last Sunday against the Broncos, with the 7-day turnaround ruling the second-row out of action.
Hull KR’s 19-man squad:ย
Hall, Keinhorst, Shaw, McGuire, Mulhern, Masoe, Tomkins, Hauraki, Garbutt, Lee, Jewitt, Atkin, Vaivai, Addy, Lawler, Lannon, Linnett, Drinkwater, Dagger.
Salford
Head coach Ian Watson has made just one change to his 19-man squad. Daniel Murray has entered the side and is in contention to make his first Super League appearance of 2019. Tyrone McCarthy will be looking to force his way into the starting side for the first time this year against one of his former clubs while Jake Bibby is also challenging for a spot in the team.
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Ken Sio will make his first visit back to KCOM Craven Park since leaving Hull Kingston Rovers back in 2016.
Salford’s 19-man squad:ย
Evalds, Welham, Sa’u, Bibby, Lui, Mossop, Dudson, Jones, Griffin, Lussick, Burke, McCarthy, Nakubuwai, Tomkins, Murray, Olpherts, Sio, Turgut, Hastings.
HEAD TO HEAD
The last time the two sides met, Salford had earned a crucial 28-10 win over Hull KR in their Super 8s Qualifiers opener.
The Red Devils had also met beaten Rovers in the Million Pound Game in 2016 where Gareth O’Brien scored that beautiful drop-goal that had sinked Rovers to the Championship for 2017.
KEY BATTLE
Ryan Lannon (Hull KR) v Ken Sio (Salford)
With Ken Sio making his return to Craven Park after leaving the Robins three years ago, it would be a fitting tribute to have Salford’s former player Ryan Lannon as the player to oppose Sio this weekend.
Starting with Lannon, he will be hoping to make his first start of his Hull KR career after making his debut from the substitute’s bench against London. He did get stuck in, having made 25 carries and 11 tackles.
Sio has been the main man for Salford’s offence, scoring three tries and averaging over seven metres per carry.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Saturday 23rd February
Venue: KCOM Craven Park
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Liam Moore
WHO WILL WIN?
It will be a very close game between the two sides. However with the recent history favouring Salford, I think it will be the Red Devils that will be coming home as winners.
https://nothingbutleague.com/2019/02/20/super-league-squad-news-round-3/
