Interval treat helped take the heat off triumphant Hull KR
BACK-ROW James Donaldson has revealed Hull KR’s secret in keeping so cool during Sunday’s sweltering conditions – half-time ice lollies.
The improving Robins picked up successive Super League wins for the first time since 2015 when they vanquished Salford Red Devils 52-22 on the warmest day of the year.
“It was pretty hot, for sure,” admitted former Bradford Bulls forward Donaldson.
“Although when I was on the field we had a lot of the ball, which makes it easier.
“But the club did do a great job trying to keep everyone as cool as possible.
“We had Calippos and ice-pops at half-time.
“It’s the first time I’ve ever had that – but it worked a treat.”
Donaldson was back in the side after being left out for the previous win over Huddersfield Giants – a sign of Rovers’ growing squad strength as they make a late attempt to escape the bottom four.
“I didn’t feel like I did anything too wrong to lose my place in the team,” insisted the 26-year-old.
“But obviously it’s not my choice and there is a lot more experience getting back now, which is great for competition. You have to perform.
“It was good to be in again and hopefully I keep my spot for Widnes on Saturday when we’ll look to continue this run and make it four games unbeaten.
“If we still end up in the Middle Eights so be it – the top eight will be a bonus – but we’ll keep building like we have regardless.”
Leeds Rhinos are understood to have secured a deal for Tonga World Cup stand-off Tuimoala Lolohea, 23, from Wests Tigers beginning next season. HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS’ head coach Simon Woolford says there will be a “maximum” of two new recruits in 2019, but he also wants to extend Australian loose forward Ryan Hinchliffe’s contract.
The Giants have signed Samoa prop Suaia Matagi from Parramatta Eels for next season and have long been in talks with Fiji winger Akuila Uate, a deal they hope will be completed soon.
Woolford said: “We’re still actively out there having a look. We’ve got a bit of money to spend. We’re trying to shore up what positions we need to strengthen in terms of depth.
“Getting Matagi means we’re right as far as our middles go while hopefully we’ll get over the line with Uate, which will mean our outside backs are looking nice and strong.
“We don’t need too many (more). We’re probably looking at one, maximum two.
“But we need to have a look at our roster and see who’s off contract.
“We’ve still got Ryan Hinchliffe. We want to keep him as well so we need to sort him.”
Former Melbourne Storm star Hinchliffe, 33, intimated when Woolford was appointed at the end of April that he would like to stay with the Giants for another year and his form certainly warrants going around again.
The coach added: “We want to keep him for sure. It’s just making sure we get the balance of our squad right.”
Eighth-placed Huddersfield are set to be without Seb Ikahihifo for Thursday’s home game against Wigan Warriors with the club hoping the prop will miss just one match with an ankle injury sustained in last week’s win over Hull FC.
Second-row Ukuma Ta’ai has received a one-match penalty notice for a dangerous contact in that fixture, but Woolford reported that captain Leroy Cudjoe, hooker Kruise Leeming and Scotland back-row Dale Ferguson are all in contention to resume.
Cudjoe (knee) and Leeming (shoulder) will need late checks during tomorrow’s final practice after missing the Hull victory. Court No 12 Court 18