Lewis and Parcell will inject plenty of pace
AS much as Hull KR and their fans are hoping for an improved outing tomorrow, a much-needed victory is more important than a good performance.
After a week off due to
Challenge Cup action, the Robins need to up the ante and play with more energy against Salford after four flat displays, which has seen their stock fall since the Easter period.
Mikey Lewis and Matt Parcell’s return will inject some pace into the middle, and they must use their swiftness to up the tempo of Rovers’ attacking threat and ask plenty of questions of the Red Devils from the off.
In the reverse fixture in March, the Robins ground out a tough victory at the AJ Bell Stadium and survived a late Salford fightback with some innovative game management and dominance in the forwards, and is something Rovers will have to replicate tomorrow.
The visitors are just two points behind the Robins and are growing in confidence as the season progresses. Narrow defeats against St Helens and Wigan Warriors before back-to-back home triumphs over Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers have given Paul Rowley’s men an outside chance of challenging for a lower end play-off spot after a poor start to 2022. It doesn’t matter if Rovers win by 30 or by a drop goal, tomorrow is all about getting back on the horse and picking up the two points.
The Robins could drop to as low as ninth if results don’t go their way, which would see the pressure rise on Tony Smith, who has come under fire by the club’s supporters during the recent dip in form.
We will see tomorrow how Smith and his men respond under pressure, but come 3pm, the Robins know they will have to rapidly improve to defeat this dangerous Red Devils outfit.