Sheffield v Hull KR preview
Hull KR coach Chris Chester will use Friday's trip to Sheffield to rotate his squad after securing their place in Super League next season.
In round six of the Qualifiers, Sheffield Eagles go back to the Steel City as they host Hull Kingston Rovers at Bramall Lane. Mark Aston’s side performed valiantly against Salford Red Devils last weekend but they couldn't quite cause an upset.
Last weekend's 48-4 win over Bradford Bulls made it five wins from five and Chester wants to add another couple of wins to finish the season in style.He feels the changes are necessary to give some players a rest.
Rovers have played every week since the season started thanks to their progression to the Challenge Cup final at Wembley at the end of August. Captain on that day, Tyrone McCarthy, is one of the players Chester wants to give a break to as the Robins face Sheffield Eagles at Bramhall Lane on Friday evening (7.45pm).
"We're looking at bringing a few people in for the trip to Sheffield," Chester says "Ben Cockayne will come into the team with Arron Ollett, Jordan Cox, George Lawler coming into the squad.
"Liam Salter and Adam Walker are back too after missing out last weekend. "We're hoping to freshen things up this week. "We have a near enough full squad to choose from.
"I intend to rotate the middles so I'll give Tyrone a break. "James Donaldson has played a lot of game-time over the last few months and Shaun Lunt might miss out too. "Graeme Horne and James Green picked up slight knocks last week and both of them will miss out on Friday night."
Rovers, with 10 points from a possible 10, should register their sixth successive win in the Middle 8s against a Sheffield side that has picked up only two points from the same number of points available. Chester feels the squad he is taking to Bramhall Lane will strong be strong enough to get the win.
"We are not taking Sheffield lightly," Chester said. "They are a good footballing side and we are going there with a very strong squad. "We have two important games remaining at Sheffield and Salford at home and we need to finish with seven wins from seven it's the least the fans deserve.
Hull KR : Dixon, Cockayne, Mantellato, Sio, Blair, Walker, Larroyer, Donaldson, Burke, Salter, Welham, Green, Ollett, Cox, Boudebza, Marsh, Tilse, Puletua, Lawler
Sheffield : Togagae, Turner, Yere, Smeaton, Worrincy, Brambani, Aston, Battye, Carlile, Stringer, Knowles, Straugheir, Taulapapa, Walker, Petersen, Davies, Davey, Tonks, Scott
