TYR CHANGE
Robins aim for top spot
TYRONE MAY reckons it’s not rocket science why Hull KR are taking Super League by storm.
In the last two rounds, Rovers have beaten champions Wigan and St Helens, who between them have won the last six Old Trafford Grand Finals.
Willie Peters’ side also knocked out holders Leigh on their way to the Challenge Cup semi-finals. On Thursday, KR travel to Warrington where an eighth win in nine games in all competitions will secure top spot.
And there is growing belief a major trophy could be heading back to east Hull for the first time since the pre–Super League era.
Not bad for a team whose approach is “a simple way to play footie,” according to former Catalan Dragons schemer May. “We know what works for us,” says the Australian who dovetailed superbly with fellow playmaker Mikey Lewis (inset) as Rovers brushed aside Saints 40-20 with their latest eye-catching display. May said: “It’s about doing the simple things right and opening up space for our livewires.
“We are a team that likes to play the long game, kick and then play on transitions.
“That is where the big games are won and what we try to nail.” May, however, concedes the Robins haven’t fully found the magic formula.
Two of their three defeats have come away from the fortress which is Craven Park.
“That is the next step for us as a group,” said May. “We play well when we are at home but away from home we haven’t sometimes performed, like at Catalans. “We need to be consistent with it, think about our performance and what we can control and the results will take care of themselves.”
Rovers and their midweek hosts Warrington are two of six leading teams separated only by points difference. Sam Burgess’ side won 22-20 when the rivals last met back in February. “Warrington seem to start the season well every year,” said May. “This season though with Sam they seem to have a different mentality about them. But if we perform like we did in the second half against Saints I will be happy no matter what the result.”
■ ST HELENS scrum-half Lewis Dodd is set to leave the club at the end of the season to join Australian NRL club South Sydney Rabbitohs.