Will Rovers end their long wait for back-to-back wins?
STRUGGLING TIGERS CAN FALL VICTIM TO SMITH’S ROBINS
Hull KR will be out to end their long wait for back-toback Super League wins when they meet Castleford Tigers tonight, kick-off 5.30pm. Rovers claimed a late victory over Salford Red Devils last time out and are looking for a big finish to the season.
Here, we preview the game at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
Opinion
The last time Hull KR went back to back Tim Sheens was in charge and James Donaldson, Danny Tickle and Liam Salter were among the tryscorers.
Rovers celebrated a third straight victory at Widnes Vikings on July 14, 2018 but every Super League win since that day has been followed by a defeat.
KR’S latest opportunity to end that unwanted record comes against Castleford, a team in wretched form and without several key men.
The Tigers have lost eight of their nine games since the restart and Daryl Powell is constantly fighting fires.
They have not been far off in most matches but were hammered 48-6 last time out against Hull FC and have had only four days to prepare for their clash with KR.
While that could work in Castleford’s favour as they look to right the wrongs of that KCOM Stadium performance, it is a big ask physically and mentally in testing circumstances.
By contrast, Rovers have enjoyed a nine-day turnaround and are fired up for this game.
It would be easy for KR to have one eye on big matches against Wakefield Trinity and Hull but Tony Smith is putting just as much importance on the Castleford clash.
It was clear in Smith’s press conference that he senses an opportunity over the next few weeks, with the Robins determined to finish a challenging season on a high.
This week represents a golden opportunity to finally build some momentum.
Rovers play two struggling sides within a matter of days and need to go for the jugular.
A fast start is vital to keep Castleford down and as the fresher side KR must set the tempo.
No Super League win comes easy – as the Robins discovered last time out against a heavily depleted Salford Red Devils – but Smith’s side won’t get a better chance to end their long wait for back-to-back wins this year.
Prediction: Hull KR by 8
What they said Tony Smith
We’re wary of them. Any team that has a disappointing outing looks to bounce back. They’ll have their own motivation.
They’ve got some dangerous players and have done some really good things through different stages this year. Yes their form isn’t great at the moment but it’s the old cliché that form is only temporary. All you need sometimes is to get on the front foot and get a bit of confidence and you’re back in.
Daryl Powell
This ain’t anything other than tough what’s going on at the moment. That was our worst performance last week and it was disappointing. There’s a fair few reasons why this sort of stuff is happening to us. We’ve just got to keep battling and this is an important game for us. We’ve got to find some confidence from somewhere and come up with a game that can get us a win.
One to watch out for
The Tigers suffered another blow when Jake Trueman was ruled out on the eve of the match, with his absence putting more pressure on the shoulders of Danny Richardson.
The half-back made his comeback against Hull FC and will be better for the run-out. Rovers know all about Richardson after his performance at Craven Park in February and will be looking to make life uncomfortable for the playmaker.
Where Rovers can get at Cas
Castleford are a side low on confidence and a fast start by Rovers could go a long way to securing the win. KR made a strong start against Salford but were not ruthless enough and it very nearly came back to bite them. Bailey Hodgson – nephew of former KR hooker Josh – will make his debut at full-back and the Robins will be keen to test the youngster out early on.
Teams
CASTLEFORD SQUAD: Derrell Olpherts, Michael Shenton, Jake Trueman, Danny Richardson, Paul Mcshane, Grant Millington, Mike Mcmeeken, Adam Milner, Nathan Massey, Jesse Sene-lefao, Alex Foster, Cheyse Blair, Daniel Smith, Junior Moors, Jacques O’neill, Greg Eden, Lewis Peachey, Brad Martin, Bailey Hodgson, Jack Sanderson, Dan Fleming.
KR SQUAD: Ben Crooks, Shaun Kenny-dowall, Kane Linnett, Jordan Abdull, Robbie Mulhern, Matt Parcell, Weller Hauraki, Dean Hadley, George Lawler, Dan Murray, Kyle Trout, Will Dagger, Mikey Lewis, Nick Rawsthorne, Matty Gee, Will Maher, Elliot Minchella, Jamie Ellis, Nathaniel Peteru, Rowan Milnes, George King.