Hull Kingston Rovers are sweating on the fitness of both Tom Opacic and Oliver Gildart and it means there is a selection conundrum in the centres for Saturday’s derby away against Hull FC. With Opacic recently affected by a shoulder problem – adding to the long-term absence of Gildart – Rovers named Peta Hiku and Jack Broadbent as their centres in the heart-breaking defeat against Catalans Dragons.
The players were back on the training field for the first time on Tuesday in a lighter session – and both Opacic and Gildart were involved. At full strength, there is depth for Rovers in that area and competition for places – and the recent injury issues make it all the more intriguing to see how coach Willie Peters solves the conundrum.
Hiku has nailed down the right centre spot with his skills and Peters has different qualities to call from, if his men make a dramatic recovery to fitness. Whether it is the return of the defensive qualities of Opacic, or the fleet-footed abilities of Gildart, Rovers fans would be lifted by an increase in their centre availability again. Tuesday’s training session was a step in the right direction.
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The Catalans game broke a sequence of games in which Hiku and Opacic had worked together. Both men did well on a tough night in Castleford Tigers that ended in a narrow win. They had also played their part in the victory over Huddersfield Giants – with Hiku shining in particular – and also in the home nilling of Leigh Leopards.
In the game before that, away against London Broncos, it was Hiku and James Batchelor – moved into the centres – enjoying themselves against the strugglers. Gildart had appeared close to returning recently for the Catalans game but suffered a set-back. It would be natural for him to be feeling frustrated after what he has been through recently.
He has not played in the past couple of months due to a knee injury sustained in the build-up to the Saints game.
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Joe Burgess lived up to expectation on the right wing when he was recalled against Catalans, delivering an impressive display including a try. Meanwhile, Sam Luckley failed a Head Injury Assessment against Catalans while Batchelor has been out after surgery on ankle ligament damage.
Rovers went for a powerful-looking forward line-up against Catalans – reflecting the opposition. Jai Whitbread performed well, as starting loose forward on Saturday, with influential captain Elliot Minchella on the bench.