Salford Red Devils vs Hull KR Predictions: Rovers to edge clash of two flair teams

In one of the most appetizing-looking contests of the weekend, unbeaten Hull KR head to Salford Red Devils on Saturday evening (kick-off 17:30 GMT) bidding to earn a third straight win at the start of the Betfred Super League campaign.

Rovers have been one of the most watchable teams of the early 2024 season but might meet their match against a stylish Salford side who love to throw the ball around under head coach Paul Rowley. Rugby league expert George Riley provides his Salford Red Devils vs Hull KR predictions...

Team news

Willie Peters travels to the north-west with a fully-fit squad to select from for the first time this season, with hooker Matt Parcell having served his one-match ban. Prop Sam Luckley missed the win over Leeds Rhinos last week with an ankle injury but is now fit to play against his former club, while Dean Hadley is also available after concussion. Jez Litten played the full 80 minutes at hooker in Parcell’s absence and was the best player on the pitch, leaving Peters with a welcome selection headache.

The Red Devils withstood a Castleford fightback to get off the mark last week, and were far more dominant than the final scoreline suggested. Paul Rowley has the rarity of being able to name an unchanged squad. There could still be changes to the matchday 17 however, with new signing David Nofoaluma named in the original squad but not used last week having only arrived late in the week from Australia,

The flying winger could start this week in place of either Chris Hankinson or Deon Cross, while Jake Shorrocks should keep his place in the absence of injured loose forward Ollie Partington.

Hull KR 1-12 points @ 9/5

This is a really tough game to call between two stylish side who love to play expansive, attacking rugby league, and ultimately whoever finds momentum first is likely to win. I don’t feel that Rovers are the obvious favourites that the betting suggests, but I do have the visitors winning this game.

The way Salford almost let a commanding position slip against a disjointed Castleford on Sunday would have been a little concerning for Rowley, while Rovers will feel that after a comfortable derby win over Hull FC and a hard-fought victory against Leeds, this is a great opportunity to continue their fine run.

While both sides love to play and score points, this still feels like it could be tight, so a Rovers win by 1-12 points at the Salford Community Stadium feels like the shrewd call.

Ryan Hall anytime tryscorer @ 4/5

This Rovers side can strike from anywhere on the pitch but their veteran winger Ryan Hall remains one of the most potent finishers in the game.

After opening his 2024 tally last week against former club Leeds, the 36-year old is a great shout to add another one here.

And Hall loves playing in this fixture too – he has scored a try in each of Hull KR’s last three games against Salford.

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