Hull KR look to retain their unbeaten record in the qualifiers, while Widnes Vikings are hoping to consolidate 3rd spot in the league with a win here.
Last time out
Hull maintained their unbeaten qualifiers record with a comprehensive away win at Featherstone. Johnson opened the scoring for the hosts in what looked like a promising start for Featherstone, but Hull KR soon took control and Ryan Shaw, Danny Addy and Jamie Ellis scored back to back tries to put the Robins 18-6 up going into half time. Featherstone came out the stronger side in the second half and Frankie Mariano dotted down ten minutes. Ian Hardman converted and the Robins’ lead was cut to 6.
It didn’t last long, however, and Jamie Ellis added a penalty goal to stretch the lead out to 8 before Thomas Minns sliced through the Featherstone defence to score. Andrew Heffernan backed up Minns’ try with one of his own and Jamie Ellis converted to all but win the game for Hull KR. With the score standing at 12-30, Hull KR began to relax and conceded late on with Kyran Johnson getting his second of the game. Hardman remained faultless with the boot and added the extra two to make the score 18-30 at the final whistle.
Leigh and Widnes went into their round 4 clash with the knowledge that the loser would go into the Million Pound Game slots regardless of other results. Widnes capitalised early on through Lloyd White. Two penalty goals put Widnes 8-0 up before Jack Buchanan crossed for his first of the season under the sticks.
James Clare got one back for the home side with a top class finish, but Widnes replied and Corey Thompson went over in the corner. Chris Bridge converted and restored Widnes’ lead before Matty Dawson crossed for Leigh. That was o be all for the hosts though and Widnes added two more penalties late on to seal the game 24-8.
Key Battle
Hooker. Lloyd White has been running things for Widnes this season, in particular in the qualifiers, and he’ll be as important as ever in this one when he comes up against the Robins’ key man Shaun Lunt. Both hookers have chimed in with key tries in the qualifiers campaign and both have the ability to make game changing plays for their sides, its just a case of which one comes up with them on the day.
Prediction
Hull are riding the wave this year, and they’ll carry on doing so. There is no better place than in front of their home crowd to take down another Super League side and they undoubtedly have the ability and confidence to do so. Widnes, on the other hand, have looked a different side away from home this year. I have no doubt it’ll be tight but Hull KR are playing very well at the moment and have a great record against Widnes at home. Hull KR by 4.
