Dramatic finishes, reality check and big wins
HOW ROVERS HAVE FARED IN THEIR LAST FIVE OPENING TIES
The 2021 Super League fixtures are set to be released in the coming weeks as excitement continues to build for the start of the season in March. Hull KR will head into the new campaign with fresh optimism after making several eye-catching signings, including Ryan Hall and Brad Takairangi.
Supporters will see the new boys run out for the first time in KR colours in round one, although it may have to be from the comfort of their living rooms with fans unlikely to be back in stadiums by March.
The Robins have enjoyed home comforts in every opening fixture since 2012. Here, the Mail takes a look at KR’S round one record in the previous five seasons.
Hull KR 30 Wakefield 12 - January 31, 2020
Rovers made the perfect start to last season but had to work hard for their win over Wakefield.
Huge try-saving efforts by Greg Minikin and Adam Quinlan frustrated Trinity and Ben Crooks went on to steal the headlines with four tries at the other end.
Minikin and fellow debutant Ryan Brierley scored KR’S other tries on an opening night to savour at Craven Park.
Hull KR 18 Hull FC 16 - February 1, 2019
In terms of drama and unbridled joy, round one wins don’t get any better than the one witnessed by a full house at Craven Park at the start of 2019.
Tries from Joel Tomkins and
Mitch Garbutt sent the Robins into the break with a narrow lead after overturning an early deficit.
FC appeared to have snatched the points courtesy of Bureta Faraimo’s effort but Jimmy Keinhorst had other ideas, producing a flying finish in the dying seconds to give Rovers a victory that will live long in the memory.
Hull KR 6 Wakefield 28 - February 2, 2018
KR were given a reality check in their first game back in the big time as Tom Johnstone stole the show with a try hat-trick.
The Robins never recovered from Matty Marsh’s early yellow card, with Johnstone and Bill Tupou both crossing while the half-back was in the sin bin.
Wakefield were 18-0 up at the break and went on to secure a comfortable win, Chris Clarkson scoring KR’S only try midway through the second half.
Hull KR 54 Bradford 24 - February 5, 2017
Rovers were the promotion favourites after dropping down to the Championship and they showed exactly why against a Bulls outfit in disarray.
The afternoon began with a poignant tribute to the late Colin Hutton and ended with the club celebrating a fitting win. The Robins scored nine tries in all, Andrew Heffernan and Nick Scruton helping themselves to doubles and James Donaldson, Ryan Shaw, James Greenwood, Jamie Ellis and Quinlan all scoring one apiece.
Hull KR 16 Castleford 16 - February 7, 2016
The 2016 season was bookended by two dramatic finishes, the first going in KR’S favour thanks to Josh Mantellato.
The winger converted his own try from the touchline with the last kick of the game to earn Rovers a point in boggy conditions at Craven Park.
KR showed resilience in the season opener as they came from behind three times, Donaldson getting Chris Chester’s side on the board before Mantellato crossed twice.