The Robins host the Saints on Friday night.
On Friday, Hull KR host a resurgent St Helens side in what is set to be a brutal battle through the middle of the pitch.
In that sense, being without Sauaso Sue, Micky McIlorum and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, who for a fair chunk of the season were the starting front-row for Rovers, could not have come at a worse time.
Ultimately, Rovers must simply find a way to manage without them. Willie Peters has spoken about players stepping up and that is exactly what he will need on Friday evening, particularly from his middle unit.
In terms of Sue’s replacement, the obvious candidate is Jack Brown. He has been waiting in the wings and with the other players in the 21-man squad being Noah Booth, Cobie Wainhouse Harvey Horne and Bill Leyland, Brown is the like-for-like alternative. Leyland could be opted as a second hooker but it appears unlikely.
The question then moves to who takes the starting role and it is hard to look past Peters’ most trusted lieutenant, Dean Hadley. He played from the bench last week but given his ability to play big minutes and set the platform, he appears the likely candidate.
The rest of the team is likely to be unchanged from last week, with Peters trusting those who didn’t perform against Leeds last week to respond at Sewell Group Craven Park against Paul Wellens’ men.
Predicted Hull KR team to face St Helens: Jack Broadbent, Tom Davies, Peta Hiku, Jack Broadbent, Joe Burgess, Mikey Lewis, Tyrone May, Dean Hadley, Jez Litten, Jai Whitbread, James Batchelor, Rhyse Martin, Elliot Minchella. Subs: Sam Luckley, Kelepi Tanginoa, Jack Brown, Eribe Doro.