POINTS Big chance for KR to end five-match losing streak

HULL KR will continue their search of an elusive win when they face Salford Red Devils this afternoon, kick-off 2pm.

Rovers are coming off the back of a hugely disappointing performance in Perpignan, with Tony Smith’s side slumping to a fifth straight defeat.

Here, KR reporter JAMES O’BRIEN previews the game at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

AN OPPORTUNITY TOO BIG TO PASS UP

Opportunities like this don’t come along very often for Hull KR.

Rarely do Rovers run into a team in poor form or one that is unrecognisable from the firstchoice line-up.

Salford are certainly not in poor form but they can feel hard done by after being given a Super League game four days before their Challenge Cup final against Leeds Rhinos.

Ian Watson has had little choice but to rest his key players, while those who do play today could be forgiven for having their minds elsewhere.

The likes of Krisnan Inu, Luke Yates and Lee Mossop have been included in the squad but, if they do play, it remains to be seen whether they go full tilt.

It will be a tough game regardless of who runs out in a Salford shirt; any team sent out by Watson will be well drilled.

But KR will not get a better chance to end their losing streak and record only a third Super League win of the season.

To do that Smith’s side will have to improve out of sight after a dismal display against Catalans Dragons.

Rovers started brightly but failed to take a golden opportunity early on and heads dropped as soon as the Dragons broke the deadlock.

KR were guilty of making schoolboy errors and discipline was a major issue, although referee Jack Smith was quickly to penalise the visitors.

Rovers have conceded the first try in their last four games and on each occasion the match has been over as a contest by halftime.

The Robins are clearly short on confidence and putting some points on the board early on in Warrington would do them the world of good, as well as test Salford’s desire.

KR have a nine-day turnaround before facing Castleford Tigers and can throw everything into today’s game.

Fatigue will be a factor after a gruelling trip to the south of France but this is an opportunity Rovers cannot afford to pass up if there are to end the 2020 season on a high.

Prediction: Hull KR by 10

ONE TO WATCH OUT FOR

Salford have rested most of their big guns, with Dan Sarginson, Kallum Watkins and Joey Lussick among those told to put their feet up ahead of the trip to Wembley.

But the Red Devils will have enough quality out there and in Chris Atkin they will have a player determined to show his old employers what they have been missing. The half-back scored an intercept try last week and seems to be in a good place, which could be bad news for Rovers.

WHERE ROVERS CAN GET AT SALFORD

The Red Devils will understandably have their minds elsewhere; if not consciously, subconsciously they will be looking to preserve their bodies and energy for Wembley.

Will they be willing to pushing their bodies to the limit with such a big game on the horizon?

There is no doubt Salford will be playing to win but KR simply have to want it more in the circumstances.