Ryan Hall could make return for Hull KR in semi-final

Correspondent

Ryan Hall celebrates with Ben Crooks of Hull KR after the win over Warrington

Hull KR coach Tony Smith says he may take a risk with winger Ryan Hall in Thursday’s Super League semi-final against Catalans Dragons in Perpignan.

The England international looked to have played his last match of the season after suffering a torn bicep in the penultimate game of the regular season against Castleford three weeks ago.But Ryan Hall, 33, who scored a hat-trick on his Robins debut against the Dragons in the opening round of the season, has been included in Smith’s initial 21-man squad and could play at Stade Gilbert Brutus, according to his coach.Smith said: “He’s got a tear in his bicep but they tell me he can’t do any more damage. It’s just whether he can have full function. If he can, we may risk it.”

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Another former Leeds threequarter, Jimmy Keinhorst, deputised for Hall in the last two matches and scored a try in Rovers’ 19-0 win over Warrington in last Friday’s elimination play-off. But Smith accepts the return of the prolific Hall would be a boost.

“It would be great if he plays but we’ll be OK if he’s not, as we found out last week,” he said.

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Hall, who has scored 15 tries in his first season back in Super League, is the only addition to Smith’s squad, taking the place of half-back Rowan Milnes who picked up a shoulder injury against the Wolves.

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Smith will also check on the fitness of forwards Albert Vete, George Lawler and Korbin Sims.

Full-back Sam Tomkins, who has been nursing a knee injury, has been included in Catalans coach Steve McNamara’s initial squad and Smith thinks he will play.

“We expect him to be there. When you throw Sam into any team, they’re going to be better,” Smith said.

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