Salford v Hull KR Big match preview
Salford v Hull Kingston Rovers.
Both sides got off to winning starts with Salford beating Leigh last Friday and the following day Hull Kingston Rovers pulled off a very impressive victory over Wigan. These two sides have been over looked by many of the pundits and bookmakers but both sides possess threats all over the pitch. Shaun Kenny-Dowell scores at hat trick against Wigan and the kiwi veteran is hoping for a big season in 2023. The Robins have a new coach in Willie Peters. The Australian spent a significant part of his career in England where he played for Gateshead Thunder in their inaugural season in 1999 before joining Wigan the following year. In 2004 Peters played for Widnes. Since retiring Peters has worked as assistant coach at a number of clubs in the NRL.
On the recruitment front the Robins signed Sam Luckley from Salford, Sauaso Sue Newcastle Knights, Rhys Kennedy Brisbane Broncos and Tom Opacic from Parramatta Eels.
Like Salford, Hull Kingston Rovers haven’t tasted top flight silverware for a good few decades. The Robins were Championship winners three times in quick succession, 1979, 1984 and 1985 as well as Challenge Cup winners in 1980.
Victory over Wigan last Saturday made people sit up and take note. The Robins are always a very tough side to beat on their own ground and with players like Kane Linnett, Jordan Abdull, Mikey Lewis and Lachlan Coote in the squad this team could be one to watch in 2023.
Salford came up with a very solid result of their own away at Leigh. A big crowd and plenty of noise made in the build up from the newly branded Leopards didn’t stop the Red Devils. Paul Rowley’s side were tough, resilient and well organised. They defended well and took their chances when they came.
On Monday another good news story came from Salford with Joe Burgess signing a new contract. With Brodie Croft, Jack Ormondroyd and Andy Ackers all signing long term deals recently the stability of the club looks in very good shape.
Super League home record.
Salford 6
Draws 1
Hull Kingston Rovers 6
2007 Salford 24 Hull kr 30
2009 Salford 10 Hull Kr 14
2010 Salford 18 Hull Kr 44
2011 Salford 34 Hull Kr 18
2012 Salford 10 Hull Kr 18
2013 Salford 38 Hull Kr 34
2014 Salford 16 Hull Kr 16
2015 Salford 31 Hull Kr 18
2016 Salford 44 Hull Kr 26
2016 Salford 12 Hull Kr 29 (Qualifiers)
2018 Salford 36 Hull Kr 12
2019 Salford 17 Hull Kr 16
2022 Salford 16 Hull Kr 26
They played for both.
Here are a selection of players to have represented The Robins and The Red Devils,
Greg Austin, Ryan Lannon, Colin Dixon, Greg Burke, Chris Charles, Michael Dobson, Sean Gleeson, Darrell Goulding, David Hodgson, Lee Jewitt, Justin Carney, Jordan Walne, Phil Joseph, Tommy Lee, Tyrone McCarthy, Craig Murdock, Cory Paterson, Gareth Price, Scott Taylor, Dan Murray, Tony Puletua, Richard Smith, Iain Thornley, Kris Welham and Todd Carney.
A match to remember Saturday 10th May 2014
Salford 16 Hull kr 16.
After a very disappointing season in 2013 Salford finished bottom of Super League. The following season in 2014 some very exciting signings were made which gave the long suffering supporters a renewed optimism. Despite some good results, overall the season wasn’t as successful as perhaps the rugby league public expected. This clash in May however was a real exciting one.
Torrential rain made the conditions poor and handling errors were a plenty.
Salford went in to the match in very mis firing form having lost their previous four matches.
Veteran winger Francis Meli gave the hosts and early lead before the Rovers hit back with two tries. Kevin Larroyer and Kris Welham both touched down to give the Robins a deserved 4-10 lead at half time.
Meli grabbed his second try and Jake Mullaney’s conversion levelled the match at 10-10.
With the weather showing no signs of improvement the greasy conditions made ball handling difficult and both sides became locked in a real arm wrestle.
On the back of a Mullaney mistake Neville Costigan pounced to nudge the visitors back in front. Ironically another mistake led to the games next try. This time Rovers spilled possession allowing Salford centre Martin Gleeson the chance to charge over to score. Mullaney booted his side level once again at 16-16.
Costigan tried to force his way through for a second try but the attempt was ruled out despite going over. The two sides traded drop goal attempts with Rangi Chase’s effort rebounding back off the frame of the posts.
Gareth Hock burst through late on but the chance went begging. In the end a draw was probably a fair result.
At the end of the season Salford finished 10th just behind 9th place Hull Kr on points difference. Both sides ended the campaign with 23 points, four points off the playoff places.
The teams that day;
Salford, Mullaney, Williams, Gleeson, Sau, Meli, Chase, Fages, D Griffin, Tomkins, Tasi, Hansen, Hock, Puletua
Subs, Ashurst, Morley, Rapira, Howarth.
Hull Kr, Cockayne, D Hodgson, Welham, Salter, Gardner, Burns, Keating, Netherton, J Hodgson, Weyman, Larroyer, Cox, Costigan
Subs, Langley, Green, Lovegrove, Hall.
Referee, Phil Bentham
Attendance, 2,903.
Thursday’s match.
One thing I am expecting in Thursday nights match is points to be scored. Both sides like to play a fast and expansive style of Rugby League and the two sides have plenty of attacking threats in the back line.
Rovers talisman Lachlan Coote is set to miss the match along with winger Ryan Hall which is a big blow for the visitors.
Salford’s Joe Burgess signed a new contract earlier in the week and he’s in the squad this week.
It’s been refreshing to see so many Salford players signing new contracts in recent weeks. The squad looks very settled now although it’s not the biggest in the league their is plenty of quality and with Marc Sneyd and Brodie Croft at half back it’s exciting times. Salford also have Chris Atkin who does such a valuable job. The pack looked particularly strong against Leigh and Hull Kingston Rovers will be another big test.
Safe travels and enjoy the match.
Paul Whiteside.
Big thanks to Steve McCormick for the photos.
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