The Robins take on Warrington in the final regular game of the Super League season.
For different reasons than in the past, this is a very tricky team selection for Willie Peters.
First and foremost, Hull KR need to win. Defeat to Wakefield at the weekend means they must secure a result to life the League Leaders’ Shield. That will be reflected in the team Peters selects.
Furthermore, they need to perform. Last Saturday, particularly the opening 40 minutes, was their worst performance of the season. They have to be better than that, and again, it will be reflected in the team Peters selects.
But there’s also the bigger picture. This is Rovers’ last game before the play-offs. It has been a long season. There are disciplinary implications to consider. Rovers won’t want players banned before the semi-finals.
Mix that all together, what is the correct team? Everyone will have different opinions on that.
Straight after the Wakefield defeat, Peters admitted that his priority in that moment was picking a team to win and play well, so we have to think changes won’t be significant. That said, we are expecting a few.
There are four players at risk of suspension more than the rest. The most perilous is Jez Litten, who is just a Grade A charge off a one-match ban. It leaves Rovers in a very nervy position there with their star hooker.
The balance would appear to be trying to limit his minutes while keeping him available. With that in mind, we’re tipping a start for Bill Leyland, who will be given more game time than usual, which would allow Litten to start from the bench.
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is also a Grade A charge away from a ban and unlike Litten, he would get two games, not one. It’s hard to see him being risked.
Two other players, Dean Hadley and Eribe Doro, are also a Grade B charge away from suspensions.
Hadley in particular will be a concern for Peters, such is his influence on the side, but if Waerea-Hargreaves isn’t being risked, it would be hard to see Hadley left out. But the return of Rhyse Martin would mean Rovers have two 80-minute back-rowers available. That would allow three middles to be named on the bench and with that, Rovers can manage his Hadley’s minutes. Realistically, we’re expecting one of Hadley or Waerea-Hargreaves to be left out here.
Are we overthinking it? Maybe. Time will tell. The other change, not suspension related, is a recall for Noah Booth in place of Jack Broadbent, who may just be given a week off having played a lot of rugby this year.
Hull KR’s predicted team to play Warrington Wolves: Arthur Mourgue, Tom Davies, Peta Hiku, Oliver Gildart, Noah Booth, Mikey Lewis, Tyrone May, Sauaso Sue, Bill Leyland, Dean Hadley, James Batchelor, Rhyse Martin, Elliot Minchella. Subs: Jez Litten, Sam Luckley, Jai Whitbread, Eribe Doro.