Early Hull KR team news for this week’s Challenge Cup tie.
14:48, 02 Feb 2026Updated 14:54, 02 Feb 2026
Hull KR begin their Challenge Cup title defence on Friday against community club Lock Lane.(Image: Hull KR)
Hull KR are set to field a strong team for Friday’s Challenge Cup third-round clash, although several key first-team players will watch on from the sidelines.
The Robins begin their title defence against Lock Lane at Sewell Group Craven Park. The community club reached this stage after defeating Brighouse Rangers and then benefiting from a bye following Featherstone Rovers’ withdrawal.
Hull KR’s England internationals – Mikey Lewis, Jez Litten, and Joe Burgess – will remain out until the Super League opener against newcomers York Knights on February 12. Veteran centre Peta Hiku, who was ever-present during the 2025 campaign, will also miss out, alongside Tom Amone and Sam Luckley due to injuries.
This tie will mark Hull KR’s second game of the year – and their first competitive match – after head coach Willie Peters fielded a youthful side against Wakefield Trinity during the pre-season schedule.
“It’ll be a strong team, with a sprinkle of some young guys in there as well,” head coach Peters said.
“It’s difficult to work out what the best way is – do you play your strongest team against Wakefield, but then you don’t play for three weeks, or do you go stronger for this week?
“The England international guys won’t play – Jez, Mikey and Joe. Peta won’t play. He’s played many games over the past two seasons. It’ll be a good opportunity to give some young guys a go.”
The likes of new recruits Declan Murphy, Jack Charles, Cobie Wainhouse and Tom Whitehead all featured against Wakefield, alongside recent academy graduate Frankie Dearlove.
Meanwhile, powerhouse prop recruit Tom Amone, who broke his hand in training last month, is expected to return in time for the highly anticipated World Club Challenge showdown against Brisbane Broncos. Fellow prop Sam Luckley should be available for the opening clash with York.
In the third round of the Challenge Cup, Super League clubs were drawn away to lower-league opposition as part of the recently revamped competition. However, Castleford-based Lock Lane will travel to East Yorkshire to generate greater revenue for the amateur club. Peters insists Hull KR will respect their opponents.
“It’s a great opportunity for Lock Lane to get some revenue,” the Hull KR head coach said.
“They’re bringing the game here, and that’ll set them up for years to come. It’s great to help grassroots, and that’s what it can be about as well. It’s [rugby league] not the number one sport over here, football obviously is, so you’ve got to work out ways to generate income for grassroots and this is a good opportunity for them.
“That’s how we’re looking at it, to be able to help and give back – but also to respect that it’s a game. It’ll be physical, and a hit out for us, and we’ll look at what we can control.”
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