Robins and Tigers hope to head into the final four of the Challenge Cup this Friday

Hull Kingston Rovers take on Castleford this Friday with the Robins hoping to become the first name in the hat for Sundays semi-final draw.

Both teams are coming off impressive victories in the league last time around with last year’s cup runners-up Castleford securing a 32-6 demolition of Toulouse, whereas a first half flurry from Tony Smith’s KR blew Warrington away 34-18 with the Reds picking up their third league win of 2022.

The two sides met in the final of the grand old competition back in 1986. Tries from Bob Beardmore, Tony Marchant and Jamie Sandy saw the West Yorkshire outfit beat the Robins 15-14, with John Dorahy missing a late conversion attempt to win the game for Roger Millward’s side as the twin towers of the Old Wembley Stadium watched on.

Back to 2022, Hull KR will be looking to produce an early double over their Yorkshire counterparts after beating Lee Radford’s side back in February with a double from Sam Wood stealing the limelight that night.

Tony Smith welcomes back Jordan Abdull who is fit to play after missing last week’s match against Warrington Wolves due to an ear infection, but Rowan Milnes put a strong case forward last week to give Smith a few selection headaches leading into Fridays’ Quarter-Final clash. Duo Will Dagger and Dean Hadley return to the 21 man squad replacing Ethan Ryan and Tom Garratt.

Utility forward Hadley has struggled so far with injuries in 2022 and the former Hull FC man will be aiming to kickstart his season as the Robins look to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2015, a season that saw KR progress into the final and head to the national stadium. Rovers will still be without Albert Vete and Luis Johnson who are still recovering from their respective calf and foot issues.

There will be no homecoming for George Lawler who once again misses the trip to Sewell Group Craven Park after picking up a three match suspension after been charged with a grade C dangerous throw in Friday’s win over Toulouse. Forward Daniel Smith is back in contention following a calf strain and replaces Lawler with Radford sticking with the same 21 barring the suspended former KR man. 

For both teams the Challenge Cup is the most realistic opportunity to pick up silverware in 2022. Castleford reached Wembley last season but came up short against St Helens 26-12. Lachlan Coote, now of Hull KR kicking five goals that day as Saints picked up their 13th Challenge Cup.

Tony Smith described last week victory over Warrington as “The closest to putting two halves together that we’ve had” with Matt Parcell and Elliot Minchella picking up praise from Smith as the pair toyed and teased the tired Wire defence throughout the contest.

“I thought our commitment and our defence was very, very good. I thought our composure, sticking to our plan, laid a pretty good platform for us. They (Warrington) are not in a good place at the moment. Executing the game plan and it coming off gave us confidence. It took away from theirs and that’s the name of the game” – Smith told Hull Live.

With the chance to walk out at Tottenham come 28th May, both teams will be raring to go as the Premier Sports cameras roll into East Hull on Friday night. If Rovers produce the same level of skill and enthusiasm as last week, it could be a tough ask for the Tigers, but as the Challenge Cup has shown us over the years, cup rugby is about who wants it more and who can cope when taken to places they may not be use to.

Key Battle 

Matt Parcell v Paul McShane

When the KR 9 is on form, no other hooker in the league gets near the Australian, with his recent form sparking interest from the NRL. Parcell made 224 metres against Warrington and his battle against McShane could be where the game is won and lost for the Robins. Rovers look a different outfit when on the front foot and Parcell will be hoping for a similar outcome come Friday night.

Prediction – KR by 10 

Hull KR Squad: Lachlan Coote, Ben Crooks, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Ryan Hall, Jordan Abdull, Matt Parcell, George King, Dean Hadley, Kane Linnett, Matty Storton, Jez Litten, Korbin Sims, Elliot Minchella, Jimmy Keinhorst, Will Dagger, Mikey Lewis, Rowan Milnes, Will Maher, Sam Wood, Greg Richards , Frankie Halton.

Castleford Squad: Niall Evalds, Derrell Olpherts, Jordan Turner, Jake Mamo, Bureta Faraimo, Jake Trueman, Liam Watts, Paul McShane, Kenny Edwards, Adam Milner, Joe Westerman, Nathan Massey, George Griffin, Mahe Fonua, Tyla Hepi, James Clare, Alex Sutcliffe, Daniel Smith, Greg Eden, Suaia Matagi, Gareth O’Brien

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