The major talking points from the weekend.
Wakefield’s Josh Rourke is tackled by Hull KR’s Karl Lawton and Oliver Gildart.
Willie Peters demanded a response from his Hull KR side following their Wembley humiliation and, despite another defeat, he got one. The Robins showed far more grit, fight and resilience at Wakefield Trinity, but a chaotic contest packed with controversy ultimately ended in more heartbreak.
Two sin-bins, two red cards, controversy and a late Mason Lino try saw Wakefield to victory in a fixture that also paid tribute to former Trinity coach John Kear.
Wakefield enjoyed much of the momentum in the first half, scoring back-to-back tries through Cam Scott and Josh Rourke. Mike McMeeken then burst through on the following set, but Lino’s attempted pass for opening try-scorer Oliver Pratt failed to find its target and drifted into touch.
Hull KR, who looked as though they would have been relieved to hear the half-time hooter, pulled a try out of nowhere to reduce the deficit when Jai Whitbread collected a Tyrone May kick unchallenged.
The second half began in similar fashion, with Matty Storton crashing over, but Rovers soon responded through Sam Luckley as the momentum swung in their favour. Storton was sent off – soon followed by Sauaso Sue – and it appeared that May’s brilliant solo effort, weaving through the Wakefield defence, would prove decisive.
Hull KR had to show plenty of character to stay in the fight in a game described as “carnage” by Wakefield head coach Daryl Powell.
But discipline and defence will be two key areas Peters will focus on with his side this week ahead of a Round 14 clash with York Knights, having given away eight penalties compared to Wakefield’s five.
Back at Sewell Group Craven Park, the Robins will be expected to return to winning ways and could potentially put a score on Mark Applegarth’s Knights, whose last victory came against Toulouse at the end of April.
However, Peters has always stressed that performance comes first. With a few areas to tighten up and Hull KR undoubtedly eager to bounce back after being overtaken by Wakefield in the table, the Robins will be targeting a much-needed response on home soil.