With Sauaso Sue set to return from a one-match suspension, Hull KR are well stocked in the forwards as the Super League season heats up for the second half.
Tevita Pangai Junior made his Rovers debut from the interchange bench against York Knights and immediately impressed the home crowd at Sewell Group Craven Park with his impact in the 38-6 victory.
France international Jordan Dezaria also earned a spot on the bench, while Jai Whitbread featured for the club’s reserves against Leeds Rhinos. Named 18th man against York, Whitbread lined up alongside Bill Leyland, Jack Charles, Ryan Hampshire, Noah Booth, Tom Whitehead and Declan Murphy in a 34-26 win for the reserves.
Hull KR’s coaching staff were pleased with Whitbread’s performance, with the 28-year-old missing only his second Super League game of the season. He has been a regular since arriving from Wakefield Trinity ahead of the 2024 campaign, making 79 appearances for the club, including 46 starts.
However, competition for places has intensified, with a fully fit forward pack leaving several high-profile names battling for selection.
Tom Amone is expected to reunite with Sue in Rovers’ starting front row to face Leigh Leopards this week, while Whitbread, Dezaria, Sam Luckley and Pangai Jnr are among those competing for places on the bench.
For this week’s clash with Leigh, selection could be influenced by either James Batchelor or Rhyse Martin moving into the centres following Oliver Gildart’s failed head injury assessment.
Jez Litten has also undergone scans on a minor ankle issue, with a late decision set to be made on the England international hooker. That could see Karl Lawton start, while head coach Willie Peters may opt for a larger bench or hand Leyland a place among the interchange options.
Beyond that, an intense battle for places is developing within Peters’ pack ahead of Hull KR’s meeting with Leeds Rhinos at the end of June.