Hull KR surprise selection as departing player returns and star misses out

Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com - Hull KR's George King, Tom Opacic and Oliver Gildart
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Hull Kingston Rovers have brought George King back into their matchday 17 for the crucial game against Leeds Rhinos tonight - and Tom Opacic starts in the centres because Oliver Gildart has been left out.

King had not featured in the past 10 rounds of Super League and his exit from the club at the end of this season was announced by Rovers on Wednesday. Opacic's inclusion at centre, meanwhile, in place of Gildart, is only his third start in the past 12 games with one of those being as a starting second row.

Regarding Gildart, after the most recent game, the 24-0 win at Leigh Leopards, Peters had said, regarding the player's rib injury: "He had to come off, he looked uncomfortable out there" and was "not sure" if he would be ok for the Leeds game. Gildart was then named in the initial 21-man squad for the Leeds game, and Peters then said in his pre-match press conference that he was "available" - but Rovers have opted for Opacic.

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Jack Broadbent, as expected, fills in again for Niall Evalds after the regular Rovers' full-back's failed HIA. Elsewhere, Dean Hadley is at loose forward again in the absence of suspended captain Elliot Minchella, while Leo Tennison is named as 18th man.

Hull Kingston Rovers line-up to face Leeds Rhinos: Jack Broadbent, Joe Burgess, Peta Hiku, Tom Opacic, Ryan Hall, Tyrone May, Mikey Lewis, Jesse Sue, Matt Parcell, Jai Whitbread, Matty Storton, James Batchelor, Dean Hadley. Subs: Jez Litten, George King, Sam Luckley, Jack Brown. 18th man: Leo Tennison.