After a long 18 months, head coach Tony Smith returns to host his former club as he looks his first win at his new home. Here’s everything you need to know…
TEAM FORM GUIDE
Hull KR
The Red Robins remain in their relegation battle with the other four teams at the bottom of the Super League table.
Events have unfortunately taken a turn when they lost to their relegation rivals Wigan Warriors by a late drop-goal from Sam Powell.
Bottom-side London Broncos had also beaten St Helens by a drop-goal in Golden Point which levelled them on points with Rovers but only points difference separate them.
Warrington
The Wire have endured an incredible season under Steve Price, competing with the league leaders Saints and showing a strong campaign in the Challenge Cup as they reach the semi-finals again.
Although they have slipped to defeats four times so far. Saints’ loss to London has put them four points adrift of Warrington.
But with Saints’ defeat adding drama to the title race, Warrington will need to show solidarity throughout the rest of the season if they are to catch up the league leaders.
SQUAD NEWS
Hull KR
Full-back Adam Quinlan returns after a lengthy lay-off with an ACL injury, whilst Tommy Lee is also back in the fold following a calf issue.
Mitch Garbutt returns from suspension to take part in the clash against Steve Price’s men and Harry Bardle is drafted into the 19.
Danny Addy, Ryan Lannon and Kane Linnett all drop out of the squad due to injuries and Antoni Maria has been called back to his parent club Catalan Dragons.
Hull KR’s 19-man squad: Adam Quinlan, Craig Hall, Ben Crooks, Jimmy Keinhorst, Ryan Shaw, Robbie Mulhern, Mose Masoe, Joel Tomkins, Weller Hauraki, Mitch Garbutt, Tommy Lee, Chris Atkin, George Lawler, Josh Drinkwater, Will Dagger, Owen Harrison, Adam Rooks, Harry Bardle, Shaun Lunt.
Warrington
Head coach Steve Price has made three changes to the lineup, bringing in Ryan Atkins, Jake Mamo and Lama Tasi in place of Daryl Clark, Josh Thewlis and Joe Philbin from last week’s win over Catalan.
Warrington’s 19-man squad: Sitaleki Akauola, Ryan Atkins, Blake Austin, Josh Charnley, Jason Clark, Mike Cooper, Ben Currie, Matt Davis, Bryson Goodwin, Chris Hill, Jack Hughes, Jack Johnson, Toby King, Harvey Livett, Jake Mamo, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Declan Patton, Lama Tasi, Danny Walker.
HEAD TO HEAD
When it comes to the head-to-head, there isn’t much competition between the two sides as Rovers have failed to beat Warrington for four years.
But looking at the fixtures in the last two years, Warrington have come out on top with fourteen point margins, suggesting that Rovers have ways around Warrington’s defence but lack the clinical edge to turn them over.
Warrington had also turned over Rovers big time during Easter weekend by 54 points to 6 at Craven Park earlier in the season.
KEY BATTLE
Danny McGuire (Hull KR) v Blake Austin (Warrington)
It goes without mention that the latter has been the signing of the season for his side as he has become the top try scorer in Super League with 16 and will look to continue that momentum into the Challenge Cup.
The former hasn’t featured on the scoresheet that much this season, despite holding the record as the all-time leading try scorer in Super League history.
But Danny McGuire will be stepping up to the plate as he looks to wear the captain’s armband due to Joel Tomkin’s suspension.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Saturday 15th June 2019
Venue: KCOM Craven Park
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: James Child
WHO WILL WIN?
Warrington are strong favourites to win but they have been beaten before when teams flank on their left wing in the past. If London can beat Saints then Rovers could beat Warrington. It will be close, but I think Warrington will edge it.
