Tony Smith: That wasn’t us

Hull KR coach Tony Smith was disappointed with his side’s display in their loss against Leeds and said ‘it wasn’t them’. 

The Robins fell to a 48-18 defeat against Leeds in the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup at St Helens on Friday night.

REPORT: Leeds 48-18 Hull KR: Rhinos thump Robins to reach Challenge Cup semi-finals

Smith said: “I’m disappointed. We took too long to get off that bus. They did a good job, they started quickly, effectively and efficiently and we didn’t react. That wasn’t us tonight.

“There was a bit of a reaction in the second half but it took us way too long to get into that match. At 30-0, we could have thrown the towel in but we didn’t and it ended up 18-18 in the second half.”

Smith does not expect Jamie Ellis to face any punishment after referee Liam Moore placed on report an incident in which Leeds second rower James Donaldson claimed to have been bitten on the hand.

Smith said: “Jamie was on his back and a finger or thumb went in his mouth. I don’t know why he was putting his hand in his mouth.

“I’m not sure which one was put on report.”

Smith revealed that Ethan Ryan and Matty Storton both sustained suspected broken hands and says he plans to introduce a host of new faces for next week’s re-match with Leeds, including a likely debut for teenage utility back Will Tate.

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