Hull KR v Rhinos: Teams

Fox: dropped by Hull KR

Hull KR head coach Justin Morgan has made a number of changes ahead of Saturday's Super League match against Leeds Rhinos.

The Robins have endured a slump that has brought just one win in their last seven matches and their woes have been compounded by a number of injuries to key personnel.

Winger Peter Fox, who has yet to score a try this season, has been dropped for the second time in a month, along with centre Craig Hall.

Captain Michael Vella returns from a four-match absence with a knee injury, although Hull KR have lost Shaun Briscoe, who damaged knee ligaments against St Helens last week.

The full-back joins the equally influential Clint Newton and Michael Dobson on the sidelines.

"There's a few changes, a bit through selection and some forced," said Morgan.

"We've got Vella back which is good because we've missed him in the last few weeks.

"Fox hasn't been included this week. He hasn't been in the best of form and I felt it was right to make a bit of a change but he'll bounce back."

Sam Latus takes over from Fox, with Liam Colbon also returning from injury to fill the other wing spot.

The versatile Ben Cockayne is likely to step in for Briscoe, although Morgan has also called up 18-year-old full-back Louis Sheriff for the first time.

Ex-Bradford forward Matt Cook replaces Jason Netherton, who has been given the week off following the birth of his first child.

With Hall dropped, Rovers are without a recognised goalkicker, with the task set to fall on either Kris Welham or Scott Murrell.

Sympathy

Hull KR's defence has leaked 106 points in their last three matches but Leeds coach Brian McDermott has some sympathy for his opposite number.

"Hull KR have got some important people missing and that really effects your team," he said.

"We are still early on in the competition but, by round 16, I would be very surprised if Hull KR still are where they are in the league."

The Rhinos are only in mid-table themselves but showed signs of recovery in their 22-22 draw with Wigan last week.

Leeds expect to have Lee Smith back from injury, with fellow threequarter Brett Delaney only a week away from making his return.

Meanwhile, long-term casualties Danny McGuire and Jamie Peacock are also counting down the

days to their comebacks from major knee surgery.

"We are talking weeks rather than months," said McDermott. "We are expecting them back early or mid-May.

"I don't know which one is going to come back first. I think they've got a bit of a bet on with each other and I can't wait to see them back.

"I think we will have some headaches soon in terms of team selection."

Hull KR 19-man squad: Colbon, Cook, Cockayne, Clinton, Fisher, Galea, Green, Hodgson, Latus, Lovegrove, Mason, Murrell, Sheriff, Taylor, Vella, Watts, Webster, Welham, Wheeldon.

Leeds Rhinos 19-man squad: Webb, Smith, Senior, Hall, Burrow, Leuluai, Buderus, Jones-Bishop, Ablett, Sinfield, Cross, Bailey, Kirke, Watkins, Hauraki, Clarkson, Pitts, McShane, Singleton.