Hull KR host Hull FC in the cross-city rivalry, with the sides both winning one match each coming into the decider.
TEAM FORM GUIDE
Hull KR
The Robins come into the match sitting bottom of the Betfred Super League. An away defeat to fellow stragglers London sent them to the foot of the table. With only two wins in their last six matches the pressure is mounting, however all the matches have been close, so Tony Smith’s side are not too far away.
Hull FC
Hull seem to be hitting form and playing an attractive brand of rugby. A 50-10 away win at Catalans made it four wins in a row since their Magic Weekend hammering by Huddersfield. Currently the Black and Whites sit third in the table.
SQUAD NEWS
Hull KR
Tony Smith only names an 18-man squad, however it has been reported that Matt Parcel will sign for the Reds before the cut off to play on Thursday.
Two changes have been made with former Leeds duo Mitch Garbutt and Danny McGuire returning, meanwhile Jimmy Keinhorst and Will Dagger drop out of the side.
Hull KR 18-man squad:ย Chris Atkin, Ben Crooks, Josh Drinkwater, Mitch Garbutt, Craig Hall, Weller Hauraki, Luis Johnson, George Lawler, Tommy Lee, Kane Linnett, Harvey Livett, Danny McGuire, Mose Masoe, Robbie Mulhern, Daniel Murray, Adam Quinlan, Ryan Shaw, Joel Tomkins
Hull FC
Carlos Tuimavave and Mark Minichello are both set to return from injuries. Danny Washbrook and Kieran Buchanan are the pair to miss out.
If Minichello features, it will be the 400th appearance of his career.
Hull FC 19-man squad:ย Jamie Shaul, Bureta Faraimo, Carlos Tuimavave, Josh Griffin, Albert Kelly, Marc Sneyd, Scott Taylor, Danny Houghton, Josh Bowden, Dean Hadley, Mark Minichiello, Westerman, Jake Connor, Chris Green, Brad Fash, Sika Manu, Mickey Paea, Ratu Naulago, Andre Savelio
HEAD TO HEAD
These two sides have already met twice this season, once at the start and the other at Easter. Jimmy Keinhorst try on the hooter snatched the two points out of the grasps of Hull. The cold conditions put the game in jeopardy days before, however it was a fiery affair on the pitch. Hull raced into a lead into the first twenty minutes. Rovers took the lead, however it was closely run with the sides exchanging the lead, until the last second when the Robins spread the ball to Keinhorst who dived over in the corner.
However, the west side of the city got their revenge after convincingly running away with a 56-12 win. A Jack Logan hat-trick helped to regain bragging rights as they ran riot, including four tries in the final twelve minutes. Former reds, Albert Kelly and Mickey Paea were two of the players to cross over in the final twelve minute.
KEY BATTLE
Josh Drinkwater (Hull KR) v Marc Sneyd (Hull FC)
Josh Drinkwater is one of the most influential players in the Robins side and could be their key to success. The Australian has scored two tries and eleven try assists. Drinkwater is often tasked with the kicking game. His kicks in behind the defence will create pressure which they will look to exploit. He was huge in Catalans surge to the cup success last year and could be key to keeping them in the Super League.
Marc Sneyd is one of Hull’s attacking threats along with Jake Connor and Albert Kelly. Sneyd often is the one who produces the kicks and the Black and Whites do seem successful at that part of the contest. The FC half-back has 18 try assists, so far this season and he is able to get his side up the field as he currently is one of only three players to produce two 40/20s in the Super League. His game compliments the Hull attack and is part of the reason why they are in form.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date:ย Thursday 27 Juneย
Venue: KC Lightstream Stadium
Kick-off: 7:45 PM
Referee: Robert Hicks
WHO WILL WIN?
Form goes out of the window normally for a derby. The game could go either way with Hull KR looking for a fightback after last weeks display. The FC attack do currently look like they could take on any side in the league and could go a long way. It will be a tight match, but I think the away side will come out on top.
