Rematch offers a familiar challenge
ALTHOUGH it was only 45 days ago, Hull KR’S Challenge Cup defeat to Huddersfield Giants at Elland Road seems like a lifetime ago.
Since that disappointing afternoon in May, Rovers have got out of their mid-season slump, appointed a new coach, tied down several key players and are heavily linked with two NRL regulars ahead of 2023.
It’s safe to say the semi-final came at the wrong time for the Robins.
Jordan Abdull and Kane Linnett were carrying injuries that would subsequently rule them out for the remainder of the season after the final hooter and KR were missing starman Lachlan Coote, who was ruled out after failing a head assessment in the previous game.
However, putting all setbacks aside, Rovers looked absent throughout the contest and offered very little threat to a fired-up Huddersfield side, who were deserved winners on the day.
This Sunday, the two teams meet again at Sewell Group Craven Park as the Sky Sports cameras roll into town with Rovers seeking revenge for the disappointing outing at Elland Road.
The round 16 clash will be a challenging one for the Robins, as they come up against one of the league’s best.
Ian Watson’s side have been in excellent form in 2022, with players like Chris Hill and Ricky Leutele rejuvenating their career at the John Smith’s Stadium and are currently playing some of their best rugby.
As always, when Rovers come up against a side above them on the ladder, the tie will be a good indication of where Tony Smith’s men are at as a team, with everyone involved with the club singing from the same hymn sheet as back-to-back play-offs is the aim coming out of Craven Park.
If Rovers want to emulate the end-of-season run-in they produced in 2021, you feel a victory over the Giants would send a real statement to the rest of the competition.
Still, Rovers will know they will have to be at their best to defeat a side that has looked formidable for most of the current campaign.
Former Huddersfield utility player Sam Wood looks likely to slot into the Rovers back-row after five weeks on the sidelines, with Luis Johnson set to miss the remainder of the 2022 season, and he will be hoping to inject his energy into the side and get one over his old employers.