Hull KR head coach Willie Peters has relegated forward Rhyse Martin to the 18th man spot for the 252nd Hull derby against Hull FC.
The Super League Round 20 match takes place on July 23, 2026, at the MKM Stadium.
Joe Burgess returns to the lineup after being recalled by Peters. The four-time England international winger had been out of the squad for recent fixtures.
“Joe (Burgess) will play,” Peters said in his pre-match press conference. “He’s ready to go and he’s looking forward to it.
A couple of weeks ago, he wasn’t happy with how he played and where his body was at.”
Peters expressed confidence that the break would help Burgess regain top form.
“He’s had a week off to sort of freshen up, and I’m expecting Joe Burgess to be back playing how Joe Burgess plays tomorrow night,” he added.
The Robins made three lineup changes, with Jesse Sue and Dean Hadley named fit to start despite recent injury concerns.
Winger Noah Booth was ruled out due to a failed concussion test.
Peters provided an update on Booth’s recovery. “Noah (Booth) is so far, so good (after his failed HIA).
He’s in good spirits and we’re making sure we take it slow with him, but he’ll be available for selection next week,” he said.
Regarding utility forward Dean Hadley, who was withdrawn early in the previous match against Warrington Wolves, Peters said: “(Dean Hadley) is alright, you’d have to ask him what happened there!”
He praised Hadley’s resilience and leadership.
“He’s fine, he just had some issues, he could have kept going but you’ve got to protect those guys who are too tough for their own good.
He’s had a good week of training, he been very vocal and he’s one who leads through his actions, a true leader.”
Peters also confirmed that Jesse Sue would play despite an ankle injury sustained last week.
“Jesse will play, he’s carrying some issues, but he’s as tough as they come and he doesn’t want to miss this derby,” he said.
The seventh-placed Robins need a crucial victory to stay in playoff contention.
Hull FC, near the bottom of the standings, made one roster change, bringing Max Wood onto the interchange bench in place of Yusuf Aydin, with Cade Cust starting at hooker.
Heightened safety measures have been implemented at the stadium, including drug and pyrotechnic sniffer dogs, increased police presence, and strict ticket registration controls for all home seating areas.
