Hull KR are still sweating on the fitness of forward Dean Hadley ahead of Saturday’s Challenge Cup Final, whilst Willie Peters has also confirmed that Jai Whitbread may be left behind in Hull for another reason, meaning the Robins’ pack could be set for a big switch-up.
Matt Peet refused to risk any injuries or suspensions with his squad selection as he handed out ten debuts when Wigan took on Hull KR, who went near enough full strength in their own line-up.
Whilst that ensured a comfortable win and a healthy boost to the club’s Super League points difference, it wasn’t without its issues as Hull KR picked up injury concerns for both Dean Hadley and Karl Lawton.
It’s expected that Lawton (ribs) will be fine to play, however, scans have confirmed that there is in fact an issue with Dean Hadley’s hamstring but the club are willing to make a ‘late call’ on the forward’s inclusion.
That’s what Willie Peters told The Yorkshire Post with Hadley to be afforded up until Friday’s captain’s run, however, there’s a chance that Australian forward Jai Whitbread may not even make the captain’s run with his partner still expecting a baby.
Peters told the Yorkshire Post: “There’s a possibility he won’t play. If the baby isn’t here, he won’t be going down with us.”
With there being a chance that both men may miss out, we’ve looked at the alternative options for Hull KR.
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What could the Hull KR forward pack look like in the Challenge Cup Final?
Hadley has been the club’s starting second-rower but in Rhyse Martin there is a ready-made replacement, with the Papua New Guinean also the club’s primary goal-kicker.
As for Whitbread, he’d typically bring the impact from the bench with the ex-Wakefield man comfortable at both prop and in the second-row so that versatility will be a big loss.
One man who also brings plenty of versatility is Karl Lawton, who has been starting at hooker in recent weeks, where he’s played 20-minute stints. Should either Hadley or Whitbread miss out then Lawton can be unleashed in the second-row, or even at prop if needed.
That would see longer minutes for captain Elliot Minchella at loose forward though he’s no stranger to playing the full 80 of required, whilst prop options such as Sam Luckley, Jack Brown and Jordan Dezaria will all be considered.
One man who will not play is Tevita Pangai Jr, who Hull KR announced as a new signing on May 17th, with the former State of Origin man ineligible to play as he joined the club after the Challenge Cup semi-finals.
Whilst Hull KR certainly have options if they’re unable to play Hadley or Whitbread, losing them would certainly be a massive blow to Willie Peters and a big boost to counterpart Matt Peet.
Each team will name their 21-man squad at midday tomorrow (Thursday) with all eyes on the Hull KR forwards, though given Peters’ admission that Hadley will be given till captain’s run, we may not learn much.
