Mandatory Credit: Photo by LEXY ILSLEY/PPAUK/Shutterstock 12865702m Blake Austin of Leeds Rhinos takes a kick during the Betfred Challenge Cup match between Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers at Headingley Stadium on 26 March 2022. Photo: Lexy Ilsley/PPAUK Leeds Rhinos v Castleford Tigers, Challenge Cup, Rugby, Headingley Stadium, Leeds, UK - 26 Mar 2022 Leeds Rhinos v Castleford Tigers, Challenge Cup, Rugby, Headingley Stadium, Leeds, UK - 26 Mar 2022 PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTXHUNxGRExMLTxCYPxROMxBULxUAExKSAxONLY Copyright: xLEXYxILSLEY/PPAUK/Shutterstockx 12865702m
Leeds Rhinos half-back Blake Austin is included in the squad for the first time since Magic Weekend after being hampered by a calf injury. The Great Britain international has faced the Robins six times in his career, losing just once.
It’s not all good news though, with the Rhinos dealt a triple blow in the disciplinary this week. Winger David Fusitu’a is suspended for two matches, while Rhyse Martin and Aidan Sezer are also banned for Friday’s game.
That means that head coach Rohan Smith is only able to name a 19-man squad for the trip across to the east side of Hull.
With the absence of Rhyse Martin, many will be wondering who will be on goal-kicking duties on the night, but with a success rate of 76% (183 goals from 241 attempts) it is clear that Zak Hardaker will take up the responsibility.
Muizz Mustapha will be looking to face his former club; the young forward was on loan at KR in 2021.
The Robins have four former Rhinos players in their 21-man squad: Ryan Hall, Matt Parcell, Elliott Minchella and Jimmy Keinhorst.
Predicted team to face Hull KR:
33. Zak Hardaker (GK)
29. Liam Tindall
3. Harry Newman
4. Liam Sutcliffe
5. Ash Handley
6. Blake Austin
16. Richie Myler
8. Mikolaj Oledzki
24. Jarrod O’Connor
19. Sam Walters
11. James Bentley
21. Bodene Thompson
17. Cameron Smith
