Hull KR predictions made and 'something's got to give' in Leigh

Matthew Shaw - Rugby League Live editor

I've been consistent throughout that I felt the trip to Leigh would be a game too far for Hull KR, and that's a feeling I uphold now. You wouldn't know it looking at some of the scorelines but the Robins have had a very tough run of fixtures, playing four play-off rivals consecutively. Usually, that gives eventually, and I think that might be on Friday night. The Wigan defeat will have taken a lot of Rovers physically and emotionally, and while this is a mentally tough team, they're coming up against a team in scintillating form.

Leigh have won nine of their last ten that has catapulted them into the play-off picture and they look certain to clinch a top-six spot now. They are in great form, are very tough to beat on their own patch and I just think Rovers will struggle to overcome this challenge. if they do, their stock rises considerably.

READ MORE:Hull KR line-up named with key man returning but forward suffering injury blow

READ MORE:Hull KR team to face Leigh predicted with decision to make in forwards

Prediction: Leigh by 14

Arindam Rej - Hull Live's Hull KR reporter

Hull Kingston Rovers have had talk surrounding them this week about bouncing back but that is not how I'm seeing it, looking ahead - I still view them as a form team. Yes, they have just lost - and, yes, back-to-back defeats are unwanted - but this is a Robins group that has just rattled off eight wins in a row, most of those by handsome margins, and were impressive despite losing at Wigan Warriors, with the two sin-binnings ultimately being too much for them.

The way they are talking in the aftermath does not reflect a side whose momentum has been changed, with KR coach Willie Peters sounding like he was raring to go again.

Leigh, of course, are on an outstanding run themselves and that is why Rovers need to be on form again to repeat more heroics and stay on course for a minimum top-two finish. On July 16, which was only two months ago, there were 10 regular-season rounds to go and I was asked to write about the run-in prospects of the play-off contenders. And I can clearly remember that the one team I agonised over mentioning was Leigh, and ultimately I did not - because I knew they would have to win almost every game and strong-looking squads above needed serious losses of form.

Fast forward to today and look at the last 10 rounds; Leigh have won nine out of 10, St Helens have lost seven out of 10, Catalans have lost six out of 10 - so Leigh have made it into the play-off zone as things stand. Josh Charnley has been prolific and he has a habit of point-scoring against Hull KR - but, from Leigh's side, they aren't exactly going to be licking their lips at facing Rovers' attacking threats.

The form of the two clubs - and the incentives on offer - sets up another mouth-watering game tonight with a lot riding on it. Rovers are in form, Leigh are in form, and something's got to give. But, look further back and Rovers have won four times in row against Leigh since the Challenge Cup final - and, if the Robins play to their potential tonight they will do it again.

Prediction: Rovers by 12

Click here - Get the latest news on our Rugby League Live WhatsApp channel