James Batchelor’s injury is a setback for Hull KR, who now face the prospect of being without a regular mainstay of their team for a period of matches. While disappointing, it’s not unexpected, with injuries part and parcel of the game. Nevertheless, losing their ever-present back-rower is a blow.
It’s one they must overcome, however, and the positive for Hull KR is that they have a resourceful squad and a next-man-up mentality when required. That will very much be the case while Batchelor recovers from ankle surgery.
Peters ultimately has to decide how he intends to replace the 26-year-old, and it’s a decision he and the coaching staff won’t take lightly. It’s not a simple one, either, with plenty of options.
That said, his 21-man squad is perhaps an indicator of his thinking. Prop Zach Fishwick has been named in the extended squad ahead of the trip to Castleford Tigers, giving him another pack option to ponder.
Anyone who has followed Hull KR this season has seen how their interchanges typically operate. Kelepi Tanginoa has been a substitute forward for most of the season, coming off the bench. On the other hand, he has experience playing back-row, and Dean Hadley has played in the center.
However, the fact that Fishwick is in suggests that it will be modified a little and that Batchelor will be swapped out for a prop forward. Because of this, you would assume Tanginoa would play 80 minutes instead of the 60 or so he has played for the most of the season, and Hadley would stay in the back row the entire time. Thus, another middle is able to take up a seat on the bench.
Given that logic and Peters’ past choices, it would imply that George King, who was the 18th man against the Huddersfield Giants the previous time out, needs to be called up. He is expected to be on the bench with Matty Storton and Sam Luckley. Naturally, there will be another change, as Matt Parcell is also out of the picture this week. AJ Wallace would have been a likely candidate for Peters to choose a direct back-row replacement, but the fact that he is not part of the 21-man squad suggests that the previous option is the most likely course of action. In the near future, it will be interesting to observe who Peters chooses as his final interchange, given Parcell’s absence.
There are other options to consider this week, with Joe Burgess’ return giving Peters a choice to make. Jack Broadbent and Tom Opacic have both contributed well during the winger’s three-match absence. Though Burgess had established himself in the team before his setback.
Predicted Hull KR side for Castleford Tigers: Niall Evalds, Joe Burgess, Peta Hiku, Jack Broadbent, Ryan Hall, Tyrone May, Mikey Lewis, Sauaso Sue, Jez Litten, Jai Whitbread, Dean Hadley, Kelepi Tanginoa, Elliot Minchella. Subs: Danny Richardson, George King, Sam Luckley, Matty Storton.
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