Hull KR suffer illness outbreak ahead of St Helens clash
Hull KR have been hit with a stomach bug ahead of their clash with St Helens in round four.
Head coach Tony Smith has revealed six first team members have been hit with the same bug that saw Dean Hadley miss their fixture with Castleford.
The Robins search for their second win of the season following their 26-10 victory over Castleford in round three.
Tony Smith reveals camp bug
During his pre-match press conference, Smith said: “Since Friday, I’ve had about six all with the same stomach bug.
“It’s knocked them out a bit. All the other guys who have the bug understand totally why Deano (Dean Handley) couldn’t play.
“I’ve had about three of them who haven’t been able to make it in yet since the game.
“I can’t tell you what the squad is just yet. We’ll make those decisions as we get closer.
“What last week showed us, even with that many disruptions, not only illness but Korbin Sims with injury – who should be fine – was that we’re able to cope with those things. That was a good thing to come out of last week.
“St Helens are a very good team. But last week, we had some adversity and up against a team who were desperate themselves and we did a pretty good job.
“From memory, last week we had 81% of salary cap on the field. In round two, we had 62% and round three, the one that we won, just 56% out of the field.
“We get a bit of salary cap this week and Albert Vete as well. We’ll handle it all.”
Lachlan Coote expected to be back
Full-back Lachlan Coote could also return for the first time since round one for Hull KR.
The former St Helens man missed the game with Huddersfield with a hamstring strain. He was not risked in round three against Castleford.
If fans can expect his return, Smith commented: “I think so. He’s come through training last two days without any issues. I think he’s going to be OK.”
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