Tony Smith secures his first win as Hull KR head coach against his former club Warrington. Here’s our verdict…
MATCH DETAILS
Ryan Shaw’s penalty goal on eight minutes was cancelled out by Bryson Goodwin’s try on 24 minutes.
Warrington added another two via Patton but Shaw had the final say of the half, striking another penalty goal from bang in front for 4-8, and the Robins were well in the fixture at the break.
Mose Masoe put Rovers ahead for the first time on, but Josh Charnley cancelled out that score when putting Warrington 14-10 in front four minutes later.
But the gamebreaker for a patient Rovers side came when Adam Quinlan was sent in on his return to the side, Shaw brilliantly converting from the touchline, and the Robins held on for a memorable win at Craven Park.
FOUR POINTERS
The Relegation Battle Continues
Last weekend London Broncos stole the show when they beat the league leader St Helens by golden-point last weekend, but today it was Rovers’ turn to steal the spotlight.
It now means the top two sides in Super League have dropped points to the bottom two which adds drama to the mix.
Hull KR will now travel down to the capital to face London where the losing team could become favourites to be relegated.
Tony’s First Win
In a game that was anticipated to be a comfortable win for Warrington. Their former coach was the man to shock the Rugby League world.
Tony had spent his first full week training with the Hull KR players and have improved significantly in both attacking and defensive aspects.
Where were the Wolves?
Warrington didn’t look like a side that were setting the standard alongside Saints. But today their discipline and errors let them down.
It was their strong defence that kept them in the game as all the possession and chances went to Rovers. They were only able to pounce on the try line when Hull KR switched off from concentration.
Missing Stars
Warrington were missing the likes of Daryl Clark and Stefan Ratchford which could’ve given that extra bit of quality to turn over Rovers.
However head coach Steve Price remained adamant in his post-match press conference that his changes didn’t cost them the game.
They did demonstrate their strength and depth when they had Danny Walker and Jake Mamo who have shown real quality. It looked simply like an off-day for the Wire.
THE RESULT
Hull KR + 16
Tries: Masoe (54′), Quinlan (76′)
Goals: Shaw (4)
Drop Goals: n/a
Warrington + 14
Tries: Goodwin (24′), Charnley (58′)
Goals: list scorers or n/a
Drop Goals: list scorers or n/a
SQUADS
Hull KR: Adam Quinlan, Ryan Shaw, Craig Hall, Ben Crooks, Will Dagger, Josh Drinkwater, Chris Atkin, Mose Masoe, George Lawler, Mitch Garbutt, Weller Hauraki, Joel Tomkins, Robbie Mulhern.
Interchanges: Owen Harrison, Jimmy Keinhorst, Tommy Lee, Adam Rooks
Warrington: Jake Mamo, Jack Johnson, Bryson Goodwin, Toby King, Josh Charnley, Blake Austin, Declan Patton, Chris Hill, Danny Walker, Mike Cooper, Ben Currie, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Jack Hughes.
Interchanges: Sitaleki Akauola, Matt Davis, Jason Clark, Harvey Livett
