Super League: St Helens v Hull KR preview
Last Updated: 24/07/15 10:27pm
France international Dane Chisholm is set to make his Super League debut after being named in Hull KR's 19-man squad for Friday's game at St Helens.
Australian-born Chisholm joined the Robins' squad last week but did not feature in the Hull derby, although he now looks likely to pair with Maurice Blair in the halves at Langtree Park.
Chisholm is one of three changes to the side that defeated Hull 22-12 last week, with Aaron Ollett coming in to replace the suspended Kevin Larroyer, who submitted an early guilty plea to a Grade B shoulder charge.
The third change sees John Boudebza back in the side at the expense of Matty Marsh.
Saints have made three changes of their own, with hooker James Roby given a rest, while Atelea Vea finally makes his return to action.
Matty Fleming misses out with Lewis Charnock and Mark Flanagan coming into the side.
Victory for either of these sides would mean a heavy focus on the Dragons' trip to Leeds on Sunday. Should Saints beat Hull, and Leeds lose to Catalans, then Saints will be top of the log as the league splits.
On the other hand, if the Robins manage to beat Saints and Leeds pile the points on at Headingley, there is an outside chance that Hull KR could sneak into the top eight at the expense of the Dragons.
Both of the teams are still in the Challenge Cup, with the semi-finals up next week, but Saints boss Keiron Cunningham says his side’s focus remains solely on Friday’s task.
"We need to get as many points as we can to take into the next phase - and they all help for that final four," said Cunningham.
"Consistency is important and we have found it this year but only in patches. We started well but then had a lull.
"I'd like to think we are building once again. We need a good game this week and then take on the challenge we have in the semi-final next week.
"Hull KR will come at us at their best. We had a tough time at their place and I'm sure the players are ready for that. Hopefully we can welcome them to Langtree Park like they did to us at their place.
"Chris Chester has done a fantastic job there. He had a lot of players come in and has had to gel them in a short period of a pre-season."
St Helens: Kyle Amor, Travis Burns, Lewis Charnock, Matty Dawson, Mark Flanagan, Joe Greenwood, Josh Jones, Mose Masoe, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Mark Percival, Adam Quinlan, Greg Richards, Andre Savelio, Adam Swift, Luke Thompson, Jordan Turner, Atelea Vea, Alex Walmsley, Luke Walsh.
Hull K R: Maurice Blair, John Boudebza, Greg Burke, Dane Chisholm, Ben Cockayne, Kieran Dixon, James Donaldson, James Green, Graeme Horne, Shaun Lunt, Tyrone McCarthy, Josh Mantellato, Aaron Ollett,Tony Puletua, Liam Salter, Ken Sio, Dane Tilse, Adam Walker, Chris Welham.
Watch St Helens v Hull KR live on Sky Sports 3 at 8pm on Friday.