More at stake for Hull KR than simple run out as chance presented

Need to know

Hull KR play for the first time this year when taking on Wakefield Trinity at Sewell Group Craven Park on Sunday. The game will provide many young players an opportunity to impress

Everything you need to know about Hull KR’s pre-season friendly game with Wakefield Trinity on Sunday, as Willie Peters gives a youthful side a run out.

1. As is so often the case in trial games these days, Hull KR will field a youthful side in their first outing of the year. Such are the demands during the season and even more so when you’re treble winners without much chance for a week off, overloading players with appearances in pre-season is not now the way to go. Jack Broadbent, Jordan Dezaria and Karl Lawton will feature, but beyond that first team trio, it is a young side.
2. Lawton was an unexpected but much-needed signing following Kelepi Tanginoa’s exit to Warrington Wolves. The 30-year-old will have a key role this season either spelling Jez Litten at hooker, playing second-row or if needed, filling in at centre and loose-forward if injuries strike. Late into camp as the last signing for the new season, the ex-North Queensland Cowboys player will be better for a run out at his new home in English conditions. With a big start to the season for Rovers, getting fully acclimatised will be a big benefit.
3. The season is rapidly approaching and as well as Lawton, Sunday provides an opportunity for other new signings to impress and push their name forward for the Lock Lane Challenge Cup game in two weeks and then maybe the York Knights Super League opener. French international prop Jordan Dezaria has not signed at Rovers on a three-year deal to just make up the squad numbers and will want to push his cause, as will young hooker Bill Leyland, who will hope to push for regular involvement this season.
4. Rovers have confirmed the return of the south stand for the entire 2026 campaign, but that does not include this weekend’s friendly. The stand was due to be in place for the first home game, which because of Las Vegas and the World Club Challenge doesn’t arrive until the end of March. However, the season now starts at home to Lock Lane in the Challenge Cup on February 6. Rovers are yet to confirm if the stand will be open and in place by then, but it remains unlikely.
5. The south stand may not be in place, but Craven Streat is back and will be open from 1pm for anyone wishing to celebrate the return of rugby league.
6. Wakefield are sure to give Rovers a good test on Sunday after coach Daryl Powell names an experienced line-up for the game. NRL winner Tyson Smoothy will make a debut for his new side after leaving Brisbane Broncos, while there is a return for Caleb Hamlin-Uele from injury and a first run-out of pre-season for England international Tom Johnstone. With the likes of Max Jowitt, Cameron Scott, Jake Trueman, Matty Storton, Jay Pitts, Caius Faatili in the team, Trin are sure to be a tough challenge for a young KR team.