Hiku-ps gone PETA’S PRAISED AFTER SWITCH
WILLIE PETERS saluted Peta Hiku for silencing his “shallow” critics as Hull KR eased to victory.
The ex-New Zealand star has endured a difficult start at Rovers after his move from North Queensland.
Bought to fill the sizable boots of retired full-back Lachlan Coote, he made some glaring gaffes in their first few games.
He also slotted just one from five goal attempts in the derby win and was sin-binned in the victory over Leeds.
Hiku had a nightmare in last week’s defeat against former club Warrington.
But he was switched to centre yesterday and immediately looked more at home to ensure there was .. 12 ........... 24 never any danger of KR slipping to three straight losses.
Hiku, 31, scored two tries – taking his tally to four in five games – and was a constant handful.
Niall Evalds also proved devastating as he switched from wing to full-back, delivering three try assists.
KR boss Peters, who dropped Aussie centre Tom Opacic to make those changes, said: “I’m proud Peta went out and performed like that.
“A lot of people have been harsh on him purely, I think, because of those goal kicks against Hull. It’s so shallow. I gave Peta my word he’d start the season at full-back.
“He’s a capable full-back but he’s played centre the last 10 years and there’s no doubt he looks more comfortable there. And Niall does at full-back. They’re in their natural and most comfortable positions now.”
Evalds produced a brilliant flick pass for Joe Burgess’ third-minute opener.
His stunning break set up Hiku’s second try on 53 minutes. And then Evalds cut Giants’ fragile defence again to set up Ryan Hall as KR went 24-0 ahead just after the hour mark.
Victory came at cost, though, with England scrum-half Mikey Lewis failing a head-injury assessment, by STEVE BRADY Catalans 40 Castleford 14
CASTLEFORD TIGERS coach Craig Lingard reckons his side can now kickstart their season – despite a heavy loss in France.
Their battling display was a big improvement for a side winless after five games.
And Lingard said: “It doesn’t look pretty on the scoreboard but I’m happy with how we performed.
“It can galavanise the playing group and maybe kickstart the season.”
England winger Tom Johnstone was among seven different try scorers for Catalans, who are level with top-two Wigan and St Helens on eight points.
LEIGH earned their first win of the Super League season with a 54-4 demolition of a woeful Hull FC at the MKM Stadium. Challenge Cup holders Leigh had lost their first three games of the campaign, but they outscored their woeful opponents by nine tries to one. Aussie recruit Matt Moylan starred for Adrian Lam’s visitors, scoring a try and nine goals. meaning he misses Friday’s Challenge Cup tie against Salford. And prop George King limped off with a hamstring injury after just five minutes.
Giants – nilled 28-0 by St Helens in their only other home game this season – had to wait until the 65th minute for Kevin Naiqama to cross, by which point the game was long gone.
Adam Swift added another at the death, Jake Connor improving both in his 200th Super League game.
But they self-imploded too often, Sam Halsall losing the ball early on for Jez Litten’s try. Litten only managed two goals from five attempts.
Huddersfield boss Ian Watson said: “There were some fundamental skills we fell down on. It was poor.”