Rovers hit out at ‘chicken-wing’ challenge

Hull Kingston Rovers coach Tim Sheens endured a bittersweet start to the Super 8s Qualifiers even though his side staged an impressive comeback to defeat Halifax by 26-22 at KCOM Craven Park.

Rovers dug deep to overturn a 22-14 deficit and make a winning start in their bid for an immediate return to Super League. But Sheens was left seething after debutant Mose Masoe was injured following a ‘chicken wing’ challenge that went unpunished.

The towering Samoa international was last night thought to be a doubt for next Saturday’s crucial Qualifiers clash away at Leigh Centurions with his consequent shoulder problem.

Having joining the club on a deal until the end of the season at least, he left the field in the second half after his shoulder dislocated “out then back in again”, according to Sheens. The incident was placed on report because it was seen by the touch-judge.

However, Sheens was unhappy that the tackle went unpunished during live play. “I’m very disappointed,” he said. “He was chickenwinged and I’m sure it will be cited.

“It was right in front of the officials

Painful debut: Hull KR’S Mose Masoe was said to have suffered a dislocated shoulder and the touch-judge came on – but I imagine he hasn’t been firm enough about it because [the referee] put it on report but didn’t penalise it. His [Masoe’s] shoulder went in and out and he couldn’t finish the game.”

There was no sign of the drama to come when full-back Kieren Moss crossed twice in the opening seven minutes and Matty Marsh cancelled out Heaton’s 10th-minute try to give Rovers a 14-6 lead.

However, in-form Halifax, who had secured their place in the Qualifiers by beating Championship leaders Rovers on the final day of the regular season, responded with three more tries from Heaton. That appeared to put them on course for another stunning victory.

Heaton completed his hat-trick before the half-hour mark and went over again in the early stages of the second half to leave Hull KR chasing the match.

George Lawler’s converted try made it a two-point game heading into the closing stages and Nick Scruton touched down six minutes from time to give Hull KR an impressive victory.