This crucial relegation battle between Hull Kingston Rovers and Wakefield Trinity will conclude Round 26 as we head into the Challenge Cup break. Here’s everything you need to know…
TEAM FORM GUIDE
Hull KR
The East Hull side are currently on a win/loss pattern and are looking to bounce back from their defeat to Wigan Warriors last weekend.
Rovers sit in 11th position just two points above the drop-zone which is currently occupied by London Broncos, another two points for the Red Robins will do them a world of good.
Wakefield
Trinity however are on a bad run as they’ve failed to win their previous five games, they came close against Hull FC last weekend but unfortunately fell short.
But with other results in the bottom half going their way, Wakefield have remained in 9th position and have stayed away from the drop.
However they are level on points with Rovers with points difference currently separating them. A win for Wakefield would be crucial if they are to stay in Super League.
SQUAD NEWS
Hull KR
Head coach Tony Smith will welcome back three key men into the preliminary team, with winger Craig Hall, prop Mitch Garbutt and back-rower Kane Linnett all recalled.
Utility-back Will Dagger, back-rower George Lawler and half-back Mikey Lewis all make way for the trio. Playmaker Danny McGuire is tipped to be involved having missed last week’s 36-18 defeat to Wigan Warriors.
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, Kane Linnett, Josh Drinkwater, Daniel Murray, Dean Hadley, Jez Litten, Kyle Trout.
Wakefield
Chris Green is in line for his Trinity debut after signing on loan from Hull FC. He will replace David Fifita who will miss the rest of the season after surgery.
Jordy Crowther also returns after a short lay-off and replaces Pauli Pauli.
Wakefield’s 19-man squad: Chris Annakin, Joe Arundel, James Batchelor, Danny Brough, Jordy Crowther, Anthony England, Morgan Escare, Chris Green, Ryan Hampshire, Ben Jones-Bishop, Danny Kirmond, Craig Kopczak, Reece Lyne, Jacob Miller, Tyler Randell, Adam Tangata, Kelepi Tanginoa, Bill Tupou, Kyle Wood.
HEAD TO HEAD
The history shows how both teams are so evenly-matched but whilst Rovers will look to be the favourites to win this next encounter, it is Wakefield who have won their two previous trips to KCOM Craven Park.
Trinity will have a tough test ahead of them if they are to get that third consecutive win in East Hull. As they will look to cope without David Fifita and Pauli Pauli, who have provided them a lot of metres through the middle of the pack.
In 2019, Hull KR won the first meeting at Belle Vue against a stronger squad in comparison to one they will be facing this weekend. Which was also Rovers’ first away win of the season.
KEY BATTLE
Kane Linnett (Hull KR) v Reece Lynne (Wakefield)
Although it would’ve been David Fafita who would go straight into this section, Wakefield’s key player would be their centre Reece Lynne.
Lynne has offered the most metres going forward, with his tally currently standing at nearly 2,900 metres. His opposite will be Hull KR’s Kane Linnett who will make his first return since his calf injury.
Although Linnett hasn’t made the top 20 when it comes to metres, it’s his work ethic that hasn’t gone unnoticed. He also has his size, strength and NRL experience to offer on the right centre where he usually plays.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Sunday 18th August 2019
Venue: KCOM Craven Park
Kick-off: 15:00 BST
Referee: Robert Hicks
WHO WILL WIN?
I think the stars are aligned on a vital two points for Hull Kingston Rovers.
