The Robins underwhelmed on home soil against Wakefield
Wakefield’s Caius Faatili on his way to his second try against Hull KR.
Hull KR missed the chance to go third in the Super League table as they were beaten 20-6 by Wakefield Trinity at Craven Park.
The lacklustre Robins failed to make it over the line in east Hull with a string of errors and poor discipline that left Willie Peters with his head in his hands, stifling any sort of momentum on the day.
Ultimately, then it was Wakefield who took the initiative with a brace from Cauis Faatili and an effort from Harvey Smith, strengthening their position in the top six.
KR’s spot is looking very precarious right now, though, especially with Leigh Leopards winning earlier in the day to move level on points with KR.
Rovers will have come into this one with their tails up after beating Hull FC for the second time this season at Magic Weekend, but they made life hard for themselves with some poor discipline and decision making.
Mikey Lewis was penalised for dissent early doors and that set the tone for a frustrating first half in which they failed to find a way over the line.
Wakefield managed to find a try though, with Harvey Smith capping a period of sustained pressure by scooting around the ruck and over from 10 metres out.
Peta Hiku was sin-binned shortly after for a very, very late hit on Will Tate before a dissent call against Wakefield gave Rhyse Martin the chance to get KR on the board.
Ky Rodwell was then sent to the sin bin for a professional foul with Martin slotting another penalty to level the scores.
Poor discipline continued to dog the Robins and when Elliot Minchella was pinged for walking back into the path of Wakefield markers, Tyson Smoothy kicked Wakefield back in front. The lead was short lived and the two sides went in at six points apiece after a third Martin penalty.
Rovers didn’t improve in the second half, though. In fact, they got worse as errors and discipline gave Wakefield all the momentum.
And, in two Caius Faatili crash balls, the visitors took the game away from champions. The first came in the 53rd minute with the powerful middle running through Ryan Hampshire to touch down.
The prop’s second came seven minutes later as he powered through KR skipper Elliot Minchella’s tame attempt to tackle him.
Tyson Smoothy added two more after an obstruction call and ultimately, Rovers lacked the answers to provide a response.