Lewis will miss the next four games through suspension
Willie Peters has a decision to make in the Hull KR halves
Willie Peters has a decision to make this week as he puts his Hull KR team together for the third derby of the season.
The Robins have already lost Noah Booth to a head knock, while there is a question mark over the fitness of Sauaso Sue, who suffered an ankle injury at Warrington Wolves, with Peters admitting he had to check on the forward.
At least one change will be made due to injury then and following Monday’s Match Review Panel verdict, another will be made due Mikey Lewis’ suspension.
The stand-off was handed two charges that amounted to a four-game ban and with Rovers opting not appeal, Lewis won’t play again until Warrington head to Craven Park next month.
As such, Peters will be forced into making an unwanted change to his half-back pairing for the next four weeks.
Ryan Hampshire might be one of the favourites to step into the frame this week for the Hull derby after being used sparingly in the spine over the last couple of months.
The former Wigan man made his debut against the Cherry and Whites in the halves in May before featuring at full-back on two occasions earlier this month.
He more than knows his way around the stand-off position having played the role with regularity throughout his career and he’ll no doubt jump at the chance for another taste of the Hull derby this week.
Jez Litten is another option Peters might just consider. Of course, in selecting Litten in the halves, Peters would be losing what he provides at hooker, but he tore Hull apart from the position last season after stepping into the role to replace the injured Lewis.
Karl Lawton and Bill Leyland provide hooker options should Litten be moved into the halves.
Arthur Mourgue is in a similar boat given he would likely be lining up at full-back this week. Mourgue is more than adept in the halves having played the role with regularity during his time at Catalans Dragons. Even though he has full-back options, Peters will be reluctant to move his full-back away from his natural position.
The versatile Jack Broadbent is an option as ever, of course.
However, the most natural half-back at Peters’ disposal might just be Jack Charles. Charles made the move from Hull to Rovers in the off-season and made his debut for the club in the Cup clash with Lock Lane in February.
He hasn’t been involved since though and he will be doing all he can at training this week to catch the eye of Peters.
He’s no stranger to Super League having made 23 appearances during his time at FC, he’s played in two Hull derbies before too, so he would be able to handle the occasion.
Given he’s a former Hull player, his selection would certainly raise eyebrows, but it would certainly be a story, particularly if he managed to get one over his former club as Rovers chase a ninth straight derby win.