Hull Kingston Rovers v Salford Red Devils
The Robins form has turned round dramatically in recent weeks. With an excellent 24-8 home victory over Wigan, a 24-24 draw at Castleford and last weekends demolition job on Huddersfield Giants 37-10.
Salford sit just one place and one point above in the table.
The last time these two sides met at Craven Park was of course the Million pound game. This should add a bit of extra spice along with the ex Salford players now in the Rovers ranks.
Tim Sheens moved swiftly a few weeks ago to secure the signing of Wigan forward Joel Tomkins. Salford’s two recent signings Greg Burke and Ed Chamberlain seen almost certain to feature. Burke has looked good in his first two games with some strong running and also a clever pair of hands.
A battling display last Friday at Warrington came at a cost for Salford losing Jack Littlejohn and kris Welham to injures.
Hull kr is always a tough place to go but Salford have produced some good victories here over the years along with quite a few defeats. The 2003 Challenge Cup tie being a memorable night in bad weather Salford battled to a 2-12 win. Who could forget the final regular league match of 2003 at Craven Park. Salford were crowned league leaders but lost the match 18-16. Andy Kirk knocking on in the closing stages when a winning try looked on the cards.
The Million pound game in 2016 is a day both sets of supporters will never forget. It really was a magical end to a pulsating match. A game that will be in our hearts forever.
Super League away record
Hull KR 7
Draws 0
Salford 4
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)
They played for both.
Here are a selection of players to have represented The Robins and The Red Devils,
Greg Austin, 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 and Kris Welham.
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
Sunday’s match
A huge game for both sides. Which ever side wins will still have a chance of making the top eight. The loser would surely be destined for The Middle Eights which looks a daunting prospect with the form of some of the Championship sides. Tim Sheens Rovers are in good form and with a few ex Red Devils in there side will be looking to put on a good show. For Ian Watson another tough week of preparation with the current injury situation. Jake Shorrocks has started to show some real promise at half back, could this be the game when his partnership with Robert Lui clicks?
It promises to be an exciting afternoon in East Hull and I am sure plenty of Salford supporters will make the trip. The loyal support at Warrington on Friday were outstanding. The atmosphere they created really was quite special. With four regular season games remaining.
The atmosphere they created really was quite special. With four regular season games remaining, Salford’s run in is as follows, Hull kr away, Castleford at home, Catalan away and Leeds at home. Four huge games, four cup finals to escape the middle eights.
Safe journey and enjoy the game, Paul Whiteside.
Pictures by Steve McCormick
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