Crunch Time in the Challenge Cup as Hull KR Host Last Year’s Finalists Leigh Leopards
April 13, 2024 – The first of the day’s Betfred Challenge Cup quarter-final clashes sees Hull KR welcome last season’s finalists, the Leigh Leopards, to Craven Park. This high-stakes encounter offers both sides a shot at a coveted semi-final berth.
Much has been made of this game being a repeat of the dramatic 2023 Challenge Cup final at Wembley, but Hull KR head coach Willie Peters has played down the significance of that occasion. “Why would I want to bring up negative emotion?” he responded when asked if the Wembley defeat had been a talking point in the Rovers camp. Instead, Peters’ side will look to capitalize on their two regular-season victories over Leigh at Craven Park.
Meanwhile, Leigh boss Adrian Lam has reveled in the memories of the Wembley triumph, describing it as a “childhood dream come true and one of the greatest moments in the club’s history.” Lam is hopeful that the potential returns of injured forwards Robbie Mulhern and Tom Amone could provide a timely boost for the Leopards, although only Amone has been cleared to feature.
Squads and Lineup Changes
Hull KR have named a strong 17-man squad for the showdown, with Joe Burgess and Dean Hadley returning to the side in place of Louis Senior and the suspended Sam Luckley. Jez Litten also reclaims his starting spot, replacing last week’s hat-trick hero Matt Parcell. Young Leo Tennison earns a spot on the bench, while former Leopard Ben Reynolds is cup-tied and has been loaned out to Featherstone Rovers.
Leigh’s squad features a surprise move, with star signing Matt Moylan shifting to full-back in the absence of Gareth O’Brien. This sees Ben McNamara slot into the halves alongside Brad Dwyer, with the ever-reliable Zak Hardaker missing out on the number one jersey. Former Hull KR man Frankie Halton will line up against his old club.
The intriguing quarter-final clash is set to kick off at 5 pm on BBC Two and the BBC iPlayer, promising an enthralling encounter between two sides eager to secure a place in the final four of the prestigious Betfred Challenge Cup.
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