Hull KR take on Leeds Rhinos at Headingley Stadium on Thursday.
Hull KR head to Headingley Stadium on Thursday without veteran Kiwi prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, but there’s a straightforward solution to their team selection.
Waerea-Hargreaves will miss the next two matches through suspension after receiving a Grade C striking charge following the Robins’ top-of-the-table win over Wigan Warriors. The club opted not to appeal the verdict, meaning the 36-year-old will sit out games against Leeds Rhinos and St Helens.
However, the Super League leaders are boosted by the return of half-back Tyrone May, who is back from a two-match ban of his own. In the 29-year-old Australian’s absence, Arthur Mourgue has partnered Mikey Lewis in the halves, with the ever-reliable Jack Broadbent filling in at full-back.
France international Mourgue is expected to shift back to full-back, allowing Broadbent to return to the centres. Dean Hadley or Jai Whitbread are then potentially the leading candidates to replace Waerea-Hargreaves in the front row.
Bill Leyland, who was an unused interchange in the win over Wigan, remains on our predicted bench, but the likes of Eribe Doro or Jack Brown will also be pushing for the final spot. Hooker Jez Litten continues to prove he can go the full 80 minutes, after earning player of the match honours at the Brick Community Stadium after a stellar display in the 10-6 victory.
Veteran hooker Michael McIlorum is in a race against time to feature again this season and end his Super League career on his own terms after suffering a fracture in his ankle during training.
Hull KR predicted 17: Arthur Mourgue, Tom Davies, Peta Hiku, Jack Broadbent, Joe Burgess, Mikey Lewis, Tyrone May, Sauaso Sue, Jez Litten, Dean Hadley, Rhyse Martin, James Batchelor, Elliot Minchella. Bench: Jai Whitbread, Sam Luckley, Kelepi Tanginoa, Bill Leyland.