Halton and Johnson boost for KR?
FRANKIE Halton and Luis Johnson’s potential returns to action couldn’t have come at a better time for Hull KR.
The Robins have lost their last two matches against Leeds Rhinos and Huddersfield Giants and fresh legs for Sunday’s trip to Castleford would help rejuvenate Tony Smith’s jaded looking side.
After a fantastic 2021, Johnson was injured against Huddersfield in pre-season. Initially thought to be unavailable for around six weeks, an X-ray showed he had fractured his fifth metatarsal and required surgery that would keep him on the sidelines for up to three months.
Halton stepped up to replace Johnson, and the former Featherstone back-rower took the role by storm. His defensive strength and solid line-running quickly saw him become one of the first names on the teamsheet as he cemented his place in the back-row.
Unfortunately, Halton rolled his ankle in the Robins’ Good Friday derby win over Hull FC.
The Irish international’s scan revealed he had suffered a sprain in his ankle, which has ruled him out of the last four games.
Speaking to the media a fortnight ago, Smith said Halton was maybe available for selection against Huddersfield.
Still, if not he was only another week away, which is this Sunday’s trip down the M62 to face Lee Radford’s Tigers, a side Rovers have beaten twice already in 2022.
Johnson made his comeback three weeks ago, lining up for dualregistration side Dewsbury alongside former Robins Kyle Trout and Matty Beharrell.
Both looked likely to feature for Danny Mcguire’s reserve team against London Broncos at the end of April, but the postponement of the tie prevented the pair’s red and white return.
Halton and Johnson have the chance to rejuvenate a tired-looking KR pack.
Their return will have a significant impact on the Robins’ bench and George King and Matty Storton’s workload and will be like new signings as they look set to freshen up KR’S middle with their agility in attack and ability to play in several different roles.