RUGBY LEAGUE
WILLIE PETERS saluted Peta Hiku for silencing his “shallow” critics as Hull KR eased themselves to victory.
Ex-new Zealand star Hiku has endured a difficult start with Peters’ Rovers side, 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 over Hull, 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 never any danger of KR slipping to three straight losses.
Hiku, 31, scored two tries, taking his tally to four in five games for
Hull FC Leigh Leopards
LEIGH earned their first win of the Super League season with this demolition of woeful Hull FC at the MKM
Stadium.
The Challenge
Cup holders had lost their first three games of the campaign, but they outscored their the East Yorkshire club and was a constant handful.
But, equally so, Niall Evalds 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.
“His attitude’s been outstanding. A lot of people have been harsh on him – purely, I think, because of those goal kicks against Hull.
“It’s so shallow. He’s bought into everything we’re doing here. I gave Peta my word that he’d start the season at full-back.
“And I am a man of my word. He’s a capable opponents by nine tries to one to leave Hull with four defeats from their opening five games. Leigh dominated from the off and Matt Moylan (left) starred for the visitors with a try, eight conversions and a penalty. full-back but he’s played centre the last 10 years and there’s no doubt he looks more comfortable there. “And Niall does best at full-back. They’re in their natural and most comfortable positions now.” One-time England international 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 the 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 an HIA meaning he misses Friday’s Challenge Cup tie against Salford.
And prop George King limped off with a hamstring injury after just five minutes.
The Giants were beaten 28-0 by St Helens in their only other home game this season. At least they avoided the ignominy of again not scoring – but they 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 the home side self-imploded too often, Sam Halsall getting bundled back behind his own line earlier on and losing the ball for Jez Litten’s try.
Giants were fortunate that Litten only managed two goals from five attempts, and James Batchelor was also off-cue once.
However, Huddersfield boss Ian Watson was clear were he thought the main problem lay.
He said: “That start cost us. There were some fundamental skills we fell down on. “It was poor. Chris Hill at prop looked like our scrum-half at times.
“Niall sharpened their attack up and he was the big difference. This was a setback for us, as we looked so crisp last week.”