Hull KR v Salford Big Match preview
Well what a finish we witnessed on Sunday to a terrific match. It was an eighty minutes full of excitement, end to end Rugby League and some fantastic tries. Salford had to beat Warrington to keep their season alive and now must do the same again this Saturday.
With just points difference separating Warrington and Salford it couldn’t be much closer. If the Red Devils can beat the Robins on Saturday they would be level with them on points going into the last regular match of the season. Warrington play St.Helens at home on Friday night so it’s going to be another thrilling weekend of action.
I mentioned last week about suspensions and this week that subject is up for discussion again. Brad Singleton will miss the trip to East Hull after picking up a one game ban. In my opinion it’s getting ridiculous. Most of these tackles and challenges can be dealt with on the field by the referee. A penalty is usually enough and that puts the incident to bed. The way things are going with the match review panel we could end up with a game of tig and pass in the near future. Add to that the inconsistency and I think it puts supporters off.
This weeks match on Humberside has got a real cup tie feel to it. Salford have to win. It’s not been the happiest away trip recently. The Robins thumped Salford there in the Challenge cup earlier this season and our last two League visits have ended up in forty point hidings.
The Robins were beaten in a wonderful Challenge Cup final. Such a narrow defeat like that could have knocked the stuffing out of the players and the whole club but from an outsider looking in it seems to have made the club even more determined. Personally I really admire the attitude of coach Willie Peters and his players. Salford are going to have to be at their best to win this game.
Super League away record.
Hull Kingston Rovers 11
Draws 0
Salford 6
2007 Hull KR 24 Salford 28
2009 Hull KR 48 Salford 12
2010 Hull KR 30 Salford 12
2011 Hull KR 21 Salford 8
2012 Hull KR 22 Salford 24
2013 Hull KR 28 Salford 18
2014 Hull KR 18 Salford 38
2015 Hull KR 34 Salford 28
2015 Hull KR 46 Salford 22 (Middle Eights)
2016 Hull KR 44 Salford 30
2016 Hull KR 18 Salford 19 (million pound game)
2018 Hull KR 52 Salford 22
2018 Hull KR 10 Salford 28 (Middle Eights)
2019 Hull KR 22 Salford 24
2020 Hull KR 24 Salford 22 (played behind closed doors at Headingley)
2021 Hull KR 40 Salford 4
2022 Hull KR 43 Salford 16
They played for both.
Here are a selection of players to have represented The Robins and The Red Devils,
Greg Austin, 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, Tony Puletua, Richard Smith, Iain Thornley, Kris Welham, Chris Atkin, Ken Sio, Adam Walker, Ryan Lannon and Sam Luckley.
A match to remember Sunday 22nd April 2007.
Hull Kr 24 Salford 28
After Karl Harrison’s sides heroics of 2006 there was a bit of expectation ahead of the 2007 season. Experience and quality was added to the squad with Luke Dorn, Mark Edmonson and Michael Korkidas coming in to name a few.
For one reason or another things didn’t seem to click. A poor start to the season with just two victories out of the opening ten games left Salford struggling for form going to Craven Park on the 22nd of April.
Hull Kr were in there debut season in The Super League after being promoted at the end of the 2006 season. There coach Justin Morgan had built a really durable side that were tough to beat.
Salford came in to the match bottom of the table and desperate for a win.
Salford made a good start with tries from John Wilshere, Luke Dorn and Aaron Moule within the first seven minutes.
But Hull KR hit back through Jim Gannon, Mark O’Neill and debutant Mark Lennon before Luke Robinson eased Salford’s fears with another try.
Although Jon Goddard cut Salford’s lead, David Hodgson responded before Andreas Bauer’s late consolation try.
Sadly this match would turn out to be Harrison’s final victory as Salford coach.
Three heavy defeats followed against Wigan, Warrington and a 66-6 disaster in the south of France against Catalan. Harrison was sacked a few days later with James Lowes taking temporary charge.
The teams that day;
Hull Kingston Rovers Cockayne; Bauer, Goddard, Morton, Hardman; Chester, Webster; Ward, Fisher, Vella, Hill, Netherton, O’Neill. Interchange Gene, Gannon, Aizue, Lennon.
Salford City Reds Hodgson; Viane, McGuinness, Moule, Wilshere; Dorn, Robinson; Coley, Berthezene, Korkidas, Littler, Sibbit, Finnigan. Interchange Turner, Adamson, Haggerty, Edmondson.
Referee,G Hewer
Attendance, 6,299
Saturday’s match.
As I’ve already mentioned a trip to East Hull is never easy. The support they have is much like Salford’s. They are fanatical and make home matches a real cauldron atmosphere. This season the Robins have won eight home games. Victory on the opening night against Wigan 27-18 was a particularly impressive performance and they’ve also knocked off Leeds, Huddersfield, St.Helens, Catalans and Leigh.
Jordan Abdull has missed a large part of the season but he came off the bench in last weeks win at Huddersfield, scores a try and scooped the man of the match award. Australian Brad Schneider has been a fantastic signing for the Robins. In the absence of Abdull Schneider has worked an exciting half back partnership with Mikey Lewis. Kane Linnett is always a threat in the second row and captain Shaun Kenny-Dowell has so much big game experience.
Salford showed plenty of fighting spirit against Warrington last Sunday to land a knock out punch in Golden point extra time. Sam Stone got the winning try and it was thoroughly deserved. Stone goes about his work in a very professional manner. He’s a no nonsense back rower with a lung busting work rate. He’s as fit as they come and in the absence of fellow Australian Shane Wright, Stone has really shone. Another forward who’s becoming a real fan’s favourite is Ben Hellewell. He’s a much travelled player having spent time at over eight different clubs. A solid tackler with a good turn of pace makes him a very useful acquisition to Paul Rowley’s squad.
On Saturday Salford need a fast start. Against Warrington two poor mistakes from kicks gifted the Wolves two tries. The Red Devils can’t afford to give the Robins a leg up. The need to be solid and well organised in defence. Chances will come and with players like Ryan Brierley, Brodie Croft and Mark Sneyd that triangle can create the tries to win any match.
It promises to be a thrilling atmosphere under the lights on a Saturday night. The Salford supporters will travel in large numbers and tickets were going fast and coach travel is selling well too.
These are the matches players and supporters want to be involved in. Every tackle will be crucial. Every pass, every drive forward, every kick chase and every offload you will live and breath from the sidelines. If you believe, anything is possible, one game at a time.
The action gets under way at 7:30pm.
Safe travels and enjoy the match.
Paul Whiteside.
Big thanks to Steve McCormick for the photos
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