The Robins take on the old enemy on Sunday looking to move within a whisker of the League Leaders’ Shield.
Another week, another difficult decision for Willie Peters.The Hull derby brings with it natural pressures and this week, the Robins coach has a tricky team to pick.
On the face of it, the challenge is picking the fourth and final sub. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will return to the side and will replace Rhyse Martin, that much appears certain. That will allow Dean Hadley to play longer in the back-row, which will be required with Martin unavailable.
With no fresh injuries, it’s hard to see many, of any, changes to the team. The only spot that doesn’t appear certain is the final bench spot.
Peters has options, and that’s always a good thing. In essence, he must decide whether he wants to run with a prop or a hooker on the bench. Last week, he replaced Sauaso Sue with Bill Leyland, opting to go with two hookers which saw Leyland come on late in the game.
This week though, things could be different. Does he want to go with an extra middle given Hadley will need to play more back-row? Or does he stick with the hooker option?
More often than not, Peters has run with two hookers. Given that, it appears that the safe call is to suggest that will be the case again here.
That means Leyland keeps his spot and in all likelihood, no place in the side for Jack Brown, who remains as 18th man.
Predicted Hull KR team: Arthur Mourgue, Tom Davies, Peta Hiku, Jack Broadbent, Joe Burgess, Mikey Lewis, Tyrone May, Jai Whitbread, Jez Litten, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, James Batchelor, Dean Hadley, Elliot Minchella. Subs: Sam Luckley, Kelepi Tanginoa, Bill Leyland, Eribe Doro.