King is set for early return to KR line-up
GEORGE King is closing in on a quicker than expected return to the Hull KR first team to hand Willie Peters a significant boost, especially with a physical trip to Catalans Dragons up next.
The prop has been absent since injuring his hamstring in the win at Huddersfield, with a return date initially expected to be another two weeks away.
King has made great progress in his rehab and will undergo a number of tests under the watchful eye of the physio and conditioner, with Peters waiting for a green light that allows him to take a key part of his forward line on the plane to France.
While Rovers’ pack have performed well in King’s absence, his return for a key period, which begins with a testing trip to Catalans, will be warmly welcomed by the KR coach, who faces another week of positive selection issues.
While admitting to some niggles after the Challenge Cup quarter-final victory over Leigh, Rovers have no fresh injury concerns and are set to welcome back Oliver Gildart this week after the player was cleared to play following a serious concussion.
“Olly is fine, so he will come back into contention this week. At this stage everyone else looks okay,” explained Peters, who is hopeful of King’s inclusion for a game against the Super League table-toppers.
“George has come on quicker than we expected, which is great news. He’s a possibility for this week, but we are not sure yet. We will give George until the end of the week to pass everything he needs to and then he’s a possibility of playing this week, but if not he’ll be playing next week.
“We will finalise the team and speak to the players Thursday as there are a couple of niggles.”
King is eager to make his return, with Peters knowing his presence would be a major fillip, in particular as an appeal against a one-match suspension of Sauaso Sue failed.
The Rovers coach won’t risk one of his leading forwards if he’s not totally convinced his hamstring is right.
He added: “George is a warrior. He plays week in and week out and knows how to play through being hurt, which is different to being injured.
“The issue with hamstrings is you need to be right to play, so he’s got some tests to get through and then we’ll make a decision.”