Thursday 25th August 2022
Beverley ARLFC suffered a big blow in the race for survival. The Blue and Golds stay above the drop zone on points difference but the size of the defeat last night is a cause for concern. Warrington-based Crosfields still have lofty ambitions whilst sitting second in the league. It was the hosts who came away with a huge victory, 52-6. Beverley not only lost the game but a 46-point defeat also eats away at the valuable points difference too. It does have to be noted that Beverley only had a squad of 14 players make the journey. Report from Nick Robinson.
Hull FC and Hull KR are both dealing with a double-header weekend. Both sides could probably do without a weekend of two fixtures, especially with the number of injuries their squads are suffering with. FC and KR can still mathematically reach the play-off places however, it is highly unlikely that either of them will make it with only three games to go.
The Black and Whites welcome back Jake Connor and Kane Evans from their one-match bans, and forward, Will Gardiner is included in a first-team squad for the first time. The three players replaced from the squad are a cause for concern. Manu Ma’u has now played his final game for Hull after breaking his arm last week. The experienced second-rower leaves for Catalans Dragons next season. Joe Lovodua and Danny Houghton have signed contract extensions for next season but will miss the final three games due to knee and quad injuries respectively. It will be a tough task with a trip to Salford Red Devils who are sitting in 6th place and will look to protect their place in the playoffs.
The Robins head to struggling Wakefield Trinity. Trinity are now all but safe with a slight upturn in form. This game is all but a dead rubber with neither team much to play for. After only being able to name a 19-man squad for the trip to table-topping St Helens last week Danny McGuire welcomes back Matt Parcell, Korbin Simms and Ethan Ryan all back from suspension. Lachlan Coote failed another HIA test which ends his season. It was a valiant effort for KR last time out but it might be a case of playing for places next season and trying players out including outside-back Connor Barley who scored a debut try last weekend. Hull KR also announced, that prop, Tom Garratt has been released from the remainder of his contract by mutual agreement. The forward was still suffering from concussion issues suffered in his final game back in April.
Hull KR Ladies players; Jess Sharp, Carla Nolan and Lois Brown have been invited to trial for England Community Lionesses this September after an impressive season for the Robinesses.
Simon Bromwich
