Hull KR secured a vital two Super League points to maintain their form at the top of the Super League table with a 31-12 result. But the Challenge Cup final dress rehearsal with Warrington Wolves may change some expectations ahead of the Wembley showdown next month.
Rovers will go into the fixture on Saturday, June 7, as heavy favourites having lost just once so far this season – while Friday’s result inflicted Sam Burgess’ side seventh defeat of the domestic campaign.
But writing off Warrington is a fool’s game. They’ve won when it has mattered most so far this year – including a dominant semi-final win over Leigh Leopards to secure their place in the capital, proving to be a more than capable side when they want to be. They never gave in against Rovers in Super League Round 12, without veteran duo Marc Sneyd and Sam Powell.
Willie Peters meanwhile made three changes to his squad with Peta Hiku and Sauaso Sue returning, while Danny Richardson replaced Bill Leyland on the bench.
In-form Jack Broadbent opened the scoring inside 10 minutes after getting the best of counterpart Rodrick Tai, stepping on the Papua New Guinea’s international inside to score in front of the travelling supporters.
One would have been forgiven for thinking that was how the game was going to go, but Warrington hit back immediately through Dan Russell. The back-rower sliced through Rovers’ defence close to the line for his first Super League try.
The Wire were right in the contest, even despite losing Oli Leyland early on with Ben Currie shifting to the halves to partner Stefan Ratchford.
Tom Davies regained his side’s lead thanks to a fantastic long pass from Tyrone May, who then assisted the next with an offload for half-back partner Mikey Lewis. The reigning Man of Steel still had plenty of work left to do however, bumping off two defenders to score just before half-time.
Peters’ outfit went into the break 14-6 ahead and it looked like their key trait of dominating second halves would continue after tries from Joe Burgess – a fantastic finish in the corner – and May, supporting a break from Mourgue and Hiku.
But again Warrington hit back through Josh Thewlis to make it a contest. Davies however finished the game after adding his second to make the scoreboard look comfortable before Lewis nailed a drop-goal on the full-time hooter for a 31-12 victory.
Rovers’ performance had mistakes and errors that they’ll be hoping to fine tune before the Challenge Cup final, while Warrington boss Burgess will take some confidence for the match in two weeks – and expecting to welcome back some of his key players. Rovers of course have their own starting players out, it should be mentioned.
Warrington Wolves: Matt Dufty, Josh Thewlis, Rodrick Tai, Connor Wrench, Arron Lindop, Stefan Ratchford, Oli Leyland, Luke Yates, Jordy Crowther, Joe Philbin, Adam Holroyd, Dan Russell, Ben Currie. Bench: James Harrison, Max Wood, Tom Whitehead, Ben Hartill.
Tries: Russell (15’), Thewlis (60’)
Goals: Thewlis 2
Hull KR: Arthur Mourgue, Tom Davies, Peta Hiku, Jack Broadbent, Joe Burgess, Mikey Lewis, Tyrone May, Sauaso Sue, Jez Litten, Dean Hadley, Jai Whitbread, James Batchelor, Elliot Minchella Bench: Sam Luckley, Danny Richardson, Kelepi Tanginoa, Jack Brown.
Tries: Broadbent (10’), Davies (25’, 74′), Lewis (38′), Burgess (53’), May (58’).
Goals: Mourgue 3
Drop-goal: Lewis