Wakefield Wildcats will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing 38-8 defeat away at Salford last week. While Hull KR will be looking to get their first away win since the end of April. Has Wakefield’s great run come to an end, or can they prove the doubters wrong and get back on track, Thursday night at Belle Vue.
LAST TIME OUT
Wakefield go into this game on the back of a poor 38-8 defeat away at Salford. The Wildcats trailed only 10-4 at halftime and seemed well in the game. However, Salford ran in 3 tries in a quite remarkable five-minute spell early in the second half to put the game to bed. In what was a poor discipline performance from Wakefield, which saw captain, Danny Kirmond and Ben Jones-Bishop sin-binned in the first half, this was the overwhelming factor of the defeat. Wakefield started the second half with just 11 men, whichย resulted in the quick, back to back tries for Salford. The Wildcats will take some positives from the first half, as it was a close affair, however, losing the second half 28-4 will cause real concern for coach, Chris Chester.
Hull KR go into this game on the back of a 34-16 defeat in the south of France. This was a game in where the final scoreline didn’t really reflect the game. Catalan should’ve won this game by a lot more points. The first half was complete dominance from Catalan, and a weakened KR side struggled to match there strength and power of the french outfit. KR trailed 28-6 at halftime and in the second half, started toย play some rugby. Hull KR won the second half 10-6, which is the only slight positive that coach, James Websterย can take into this weeks match with Wakefield. Hull KR where missing some key personnel last week, a few who are back in the squad this week, Capmese in particular, who can help improve the side.
KEY BATTLES
Apart from last weeks defeat, Jacob Miller has been really influential in their great run of form. His impact in the halves alongside Liam Finn have proven to be the real driving force behind their recent success. Liam Finn has proven to help the team out on numerous occasions, mainly in his kicking game. Jacob Miller has the most tryย assists in the league for Wakefield, chipping in with 5 tries too. This partnership has grownย into a great one, and proves to be a real threat for any team they face.
The return of Terry Campese will only help KR. Having missed the majority of the season through injury, you could see in the Hull derby at Magic Weekend the impact he has on the team. His return will help out Albert Kelly in the halves. It will be interesting to see how they play together as they’ve not had much match time together in recent months.
Wakefield and Hull KR are amongst 4 teams with the fewest tries scored this season and also in the top 3 teams for most points conceded. The forwards in this game will play a huge part in the result. Which ever team can get a hold of the game and win the battle down the middle will win this game.
PREDICTION
Wakefield will be looking to bounce back, and they couldn’t ask for a better opponent in Hull KR. This is a side who have been struggling of late and I feel that struggle will continue on Thursday night.
Wakefield Wildcatsย by 14.
SQUADS
Wakefield Wildcatsย 19-man Squad:ย Scott Anderson,ย Chris Anakin,ย Tinirau Arona,ย Joe Arundel,ย Matty Accurst,ย Anthony England,ย Liam Finn,ย Craig Hall,ย Stuart Howarth,ย Tom Johnstone,ย Max Jowitt,ย Reece Lyne,ย Jacob Miller,ย Jon Molloy,ย Nick Scruton,ย Michael Simon,ย Mikey Sio,ย Anthony Tupou,ย Bill Tupou.
Hull KR 19-man Squad: Mitch Allgood,ย Maurice Blair,ย John Boudebza,ย Terry Campese,ย Chris Clarkson,ย James Donaldson,ย James Green,ย James Greenwood,ย Albert Kelly,ย George Lawler,ย Kevin Larroyer,ย Shaun Lunt,ย Matty Marsh,ย Robbie Mulheron,ย Ken Sio,ย Iain Thornily,ย Dane Tilse,ย Adam Walker,ย Joe Wardill.
MATCH DETAILS
Referee:ย
Venue:ย Belle Vue, Wakefield
Date/Time:ย Thursday 2nd June – 20:00pm GMT
