KR DEMOLISH POOR WAKEFIELD
I don’t mind admitting when I’m wrong, and this week, I got it so wrong, it’s not even funny. I thought this would be a great game for Wakefield to bounce back from their loss last week at Salford. However, I didn’t count on Hull KR showing up and giving their best performance of the season so far.
KR ran in a total of 10 tries in what was a emphatic performance, all round for the Rovers. They started the game well on top, going 20-0 up in the opening 20 minutes. Before Wakefield could get going, Rovers where already clear in the game.
They had control of the game from the get go, from the backs to the forwards to the kicking game, it was all too easy in the end. The kicking game of Campese was superb and he just kicked Wakefield to death all game. With every bomb that went up, you just sensed the nervousness around the ground whenย the ball would come falling down.
THE RETURNING DIXON
Since the team news was given out early this week, all the talk was about the return of Campese, who was rested last week when Rovers went over to the south of Franceย to play Catalan. However, while Campese had a great game and made a huge impact. It was the return on Kieron Dixon who impressed the most.
He wasn’t even in the 19-man squad named by Rovers early this week. However, because of injuries, he was drafted in today, on last minute notice. He returned with a superb hat-trick and could’ve had more, with chances coming and going all game.
Dixon showed KR what they’ve been missing out wide. His return seemed to ย improve the game of Kelly and Campese, who seemed to look outย to find him on the majority of the plays, knowing the talent he has. If he can play like that every week, then Rovers won’t be too far away from escaping the bottom 4.
HORROR REUNION FOR CHRIS CHESTER
It was a night to forget for Wakefield coach, Chris Chester who was facing his old side for the first time since being sacked back in February. Since the switch to Wakefield, Chester has proved to be really influential and so far has helped the Wildcats to a place in the top 6.
However, James Webster’s men came out and gave a real reality check to Chester and his Wildcats team. Tonight looked like the Wakefield side that played under Brian Smith last season. They seemed low on confidence and lacked in ideas when on the ball.
The fans will just be hoping its an off couple of weeks and they can get back on track with a couple of key games coming up against team below them in the league. It’ll be interesting to see if Wakefield will bounce back or just completely fold under the pressure of finishing in the top 8, come the end of the season.
THE RACE FOR TOP 8 JUST GOT INTERESTING
Last week, the majority where writing off Hull KR’s chances of making the top 8, come the end of the season. However, after this convincing, confidence boosting win. They are now only 3 points behind Widnes in 8th and only 5 points off Wakefield who are 6th.
The next fewย weeks will be very tough for Hull KR, as they face Wigan, St. Helens and Warrington all in succession. While Wakefield have to play Huddersfield, Leeds and St. Helens. The race for the top 8 just got a little bit more interesting, and I think there are some major twists and turns to come yet.
If Hull KR can produce rugby like they have tonight at Wakefield, they’ll match any side. Like many this season, Rovers have struggled with injuries, however, it seems their injuries have been to very key personnel. Now that they have the likes of Dixon, Campese and Kelly playing together, it’llย be hard to write them off for a top 8 finish this season.
IN THE SHEDS
Wakefield’s Mika Simon went off halfway through the opening half after taking a big knock to his head. As the second half started, it was noted that he’d passed the concussion test, but was feeling very uncomfortable at the time, so he didn’t return to the game.
There where no injuries to report for Hull KR.
There was a bit of fisticuffs near the end of the game. However, I don’t see the RFLย charging anyone next week.
FINAL SCORE – MATCH DETAILS
Wakefield Wildcats: (10) 16
Tries: B. Tupou, M. Sio, Hall
Goals: Finn 2/3
Hull KR: (26) 54
Tries: Dixon 3, Kelly 2, Greenwood 2, Lunt, Green, Blair
Goals: Sio 7/0
Wakefield Wildcats: Hall; Johnstone, Lyne, Arundel, B. Tupou; Miller, Finn; Scruton, M. Sio, Simon, A. Tupou, Ashurst, Molloy.
Replacements: Anderson, Annakin, Arona, Howarth.
Hull KR: Marsh; K. Sio, Clarkson, Thornley, Dixon; Campese, Kelly; Tilse, Lunt, Walker, Blair, Greenwood, Mulhern.
Replacements: Donaldson, Green, Allgood, Boudebza.
Referee: Chris Kendall
Attendance:ย
Venue:ย Belle Vue, Wakefield
Date/Time:ย Thursday 2nd June 2016 – 20:00pm GMT
