Hull KR’s ‘warrior’ King could make early return
GEORGE King is pushing to be fit for Hull KR’s trip to Catalans Dragons on Saturday after making good progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury.
The prop has been sidelined since the victory over Huddersfield Giants on March 16 and was originally expected to miss six weeks of action.
However, King, pictured, could return in Perpignan this weekend in a potential boost for Willie Peters’ side.
“George has come on quicker than we expected which is great news,” said Peters, whose front-row options are bolstered by the return of Sam Luckley from suspension.
“He's a possibility for this week but we're not sure yet.
“We'll give George until the end of the week to pass everything that he needs to.
“If he doesn't play this week, it'll be next week.”
King has been a regular since joining Rovers from Wakefield Trinity towards the end of 2020, making 88 appearances to establish himself as a cornerstone of the pack.
Peters has not been surprised by his powers of recovery but will be guided by the club's medical staff. “He's a warrior,” said Peters. “He hasn't had too many injuries over the years. He plays week in, week out and knows how to play through being hurt.
“Being hurt and being injured are two different things.
“Some players can't play when they're hurt but George certainly can.
“George was initially six weeks and there's a possibility he'll be back this week.
“He knows his body. The issue with hamstrings is you need to be right mentally and tick off a lot of boxes.”
Jordan Abdull, who left KR for Catalans at the start of the year on a season-long loan, will miss out on a reunion with his parent club after suffering a hamstring injury in the recent win over St Helens. Peters is happy for the Dragons to oversee the half-back's recovery.
“I'm not too sure the severity of it,” said Peters. “I'm not too sure when he'll be back.
“He's a Catalans player for this season.
“All I'm focused on is what we've got here at the moment. I'm sure they'll look after him the best they can with his rehab.”
■ Doncaster’s EcoPower Stadium will host Hull KR's semi-final against Wigan Warriors next month.
The tie has been scheduled for 1.45pm on Saturday, May 18 as part of a double-header that will see York Valkyrie take on holders St Helens in the women's semi-finals.
Rovers beat the Warriors in golden point at the same stage last year before losing to Leigh Leopards at Wembley.
Huddersfield will face Warrington Wolves at the Totally Wicked Stadium the following day at 3.15pm after Leeds Rhinos Women tackle Wigan.
Both finals will be played at Wembley on Saturday, June 8 as part of a triple-header alongside the 1895 Cup final.
Semi-final schedule
Saturday, May 18: St Helens Women v York Valkyrie, 11.15am; Hull KR v Wigan Warriors, 1.45pm
Sunday, May 19: Wigan Warriors Women v Leeds Rhinos, 12.30pm; Huddersfield Giants v Warrington Wolves, 3.15pm