SL preview: Warrington v Hull KR (Sun)
Warrington head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith has brought Ben Harrison and Glenn Riley back into the first-team fold ahead of Sunday’s Super League game against Hull KR.
Smith said: “Hull KR are in good form and we understand the challenge we are about to face. They are a good team and they’ve fought hard this year.
“They are a danger when on their game and have some terrific players right across the field. We expect a tough battle and we will need to be switched on for the full duration.”
Rovers prop Evarn Tuimavave believes his side can make it six consecutive wins by beating Challenge Cup semi-finalists Warrington.
The Robins have already beaten the Wolves Warrington this season and the former New Zealand World Cup winner is determined to make it a league double.
“There is never a good time to play Warrington,” Tuimavave told the Mail. “But they had a tough Challenge Cup quarter- final against Huddersfield so that might help us.
“Beating Warrington earlier in the season means nothing as they have their main players back now, but so do we and we are showing some good form lately with five straight wins.”
There are two changes to the Rovers squad that beat Salford last time out, with Sean Gleeson and Tyla Hepi replacing Alex Brown and Cory Paterson.
Warrington 19-man squad: Bridge, Briers, Carvell, Cooper, Currie, Dwyer, Harrison, Higham, Hill, B. Hodgson, McCarthy, J. Monaghan, M. Monaghan, Ratchford, C. Riley, G. Riley, Waterhouse, Williams, Wood.
Hull KR 19-man squad: Salter, Netherton, Walker, Gleeson, Tuimavave, Cox, Mika, Burns, Horne, Beaumont, Hall, Paea, D. Hodgson, Lovegrove, Dobson, Withers, Eden, Hepi, J. Hodgson.
Prediction: Both sides are in brilliant form but Warrington should come out on top. Home win.
Stats:
Warrington have won their last four home meetings with Hull KR, with the Robins’ last win at the Halliwell Jones Stadium coming 36-34 on 17 August, 2008.
Hull KR‘s Michael Dobson has scored points in twelve successive games against Warrington, last failing to score in the Robins’ 38-20 defeat at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on 15 June, 2008.
Warrington’s Brett Hodgson has scored points in his last eight matches against Hull KR – five for Warrington and three for Huddersfield. His streak began in the Giants’ 30-0 away win over the Robins on 21 February, 2010.
Super League summary:
Warrington won 9
Hull KR won 6
Warrington highest score: 60-20 (A, 2007) (also widest margin)
Hull KR highest score: 40-16 (H, 2009) (also widest margin)