Both Warrington Wolves and Hull Kingston Rovers will be able to welcome players back from injury tomorrow night as they face each other at Emerald Headingley Stadium in Leeds (Kick-off 18:30 BST). The neutral venue is being used as part of Betfred Super League's precautions taken in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The game will be an emotional one for both clubs, as they will pay tribute to former player Jordan Cox. The forward passed away back in April and played for both the Wolves and the Robins. He was part of the Reserve team set up at KR when he tragically died during lockdown.
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Team news
Warrington welcome back co-captain Jack Hughes and Matty Ashton from long-term injuries for tomorrow night's clash. Ashton (hamstring) is fit again, as is Hughes, who is set to make his first appearance since featuring for Great Britain in the autumn. Young forward Samy Kibula is also named in the matchday squad for the first time.
Hull KR come back with an almost entirely fit squad besides Greg Minikin, Harvey Livett and Anesu Mudoti. Super League’s leading try scorer - Ben Crooks - returns to action after picking up a neck injury prior to the suspension of the league. New signing Nathaniel Peteru has patiently waited to make his debut for the Robins since signing in early March, and will be hoping for a start against the Wolves.
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Squads
Warrington Wolves: Akauola, Ashton, Austin, Burrell, Charnley, D Clark, J Clark, Cooper, Currie, Davis, Gelling, Hill, Hughes, Kibula, King, Lineham, Mamo, Philbin, Ratchford, Walker, Widdop.
Hull KR: Quinlan, Crooks, Murray, Hadley, Minchella, Lawler, Ellis, Litten, Abdull, Linnett, Trout, Parcell, Gee, Storton, Garbutt, Peteru, Brierley, Kenny-Dowall, Hauraki, Dagger, Maher.
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What the coaches had to say
Speaking in his programme piece ahead of the game, Warrington Head Coach Steve Price said he was satisfied with his squad and their mentality since they have comeback.
"The key was to come back from lockdown in good shape which the playing group have done. We outlined our sessions building up to the first game back and the boys have nailed every one of those. They’ve worked extremely hard since returning to training and are ready to hit the ground running.
"Everyone is buzzing and excited to get back out there and we can’t wait to kick-start our 2020 season.
"Despite watching on television from home, I have no doubt you, the fans, will be as passionate as ever in supporting the boys and we will do everything we can to make you proud."
Hull KR Head Coach Tony Smith spoke in an e-programme before the game and was keen to praise the club's supporters for their loyalty and patience throughout the pandemic.
“I want to thank our supporters for standing by us," he said. "I have said before that I class fans and supporters differently.
Fans are those who are there for the good times, and supporters are those who are there through thick and thin. We have true supporters at our club and in more than 20 years as a head coach I have never known supporters as good as we have at Hull KR.
You support us no matter what and that is appreciated so much. My message to our supporters is, first and foremost, be there and do what you need to do for your families and the ones you love.”