The Challenge Cup sixth round fixture will see Salford host Hull KR. Here’s everything you need to know.
TEAM FORM GUIDE
Salford Red Devils
The Red Devils entered the competition in round five and hosted the Championship side Rochdale Hornets, winning 76-0.
Since then, they have won two of their previous three games, including the 36-10 victory over the League Leaders contenders Warrington Wolves.
Hull KR
The Red Robins also started their domestic Cup campaign in round five but endured a more challenging fixture against the Championship side, Leigh Centurions.
The game was the typical tale-of-two-halves cliche, where Hull KR came out as 14-10 winners as they scored twice in final quarter of the game.
Since then, they have suffered four consecutive defeats in the Super League against some of the toughest opposition in the top tier.
SQUAD NEWS
Salford Red Devils
Ken Sio, who was a key player for Hull KR from 2015-2016, is available for selection against his former club, having not featured since late March.
The return of the ex-NRL flyer adds to Ian Watson’s options out wide at a time where his charges have managed to rack up 120 points in their last four outings.
Sio will replace Mark Flanagan as the one and only change to the lineup.
Salford’s 19-man squad: Evalds, Welham, Bibby, Lui, Mossop, Wood, Dudson, Jones, Griffin, Lussick, Walker, Burke, McCarthy, Nakubuwai, Murray, Olpherts, Sio, Inu, Hastings.
Hull KR
Captain Joel Tomkins returns to the squad after missing last week’s defeat to St Helens. Full-back Will Dagger is recalled following a hamstring complaint whilst forward Owen Harrison also takes his place in the 19.
Ryan Lannon could also feature against his former side, having been withdrawn late in the day to face Saints a week ago.
However, winger Will Oakes is sidelined through a quad strain, whilst youngster Harry Bardle misses out and on-loan prop Antoni Maria – from Catalans Dragons – is cup-tied.
Hull KR’s 19-man squad: Hall, Crooks, Keinhorst, Shaw, McGuire, Mulhern, Lunt, Tomkins, Hauraki, Atkin, Vaivai, Addy, Lawler, Lannon, Linnett, Drinkwater, Dagger, Harrison, Rooks.
HEAD TO HEAD
The head-to-head statistics go back and forth when it comes to these two teams. However, the hosts Salford have won the previous two meetings with Hull KR.
Their previous meeting in the Challenge Cup was in 2017 where the Red Devils won 24-14. Overall in the previous ten meetings, Salford have won seven, with Rovers taking just three victories.
KEY BATTLE
Ken Sio (Salford) v Ryan Lannon (Hull KR)
Although both players play in different positions, both Sio and Lannon will be getting some game time after spending the majority of 2019 being injured.
Sio has made twice as many appearances as Lannon this season and has scored five tries. Lannon on the other hand differs in terms of possession as he has made 122 carries and made eight clean breaks.
It will be an important weekend for both players as they will compete against their former clubs.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Saturday May 11, 2019
Venue: AJ Bell Stadium
Kick-off: 2pm
Referee: Chris Kendall
WHO WILL WIN?
The history between the two sides suggest that Salford will be the favourites to win and will also have home advantage. Hull KR are currently in a relegation battle with Leeds and London and will have to think about whether the Cup is more important than retaining their place in Super League.
