Tony Smith hails Sam Wood for bouncing back from tough debut

Hull KR coach Tony Smith praised winger Sam Wood for bouncing back from his nightmare debut with a star performance in their 26-10 win over Castleford.

Wood made the move to the Robins in the off-season from Huddersfield. He endured a shaky start to life at his new club after dropping high balls which led to two Wigan tries on his debut.

However, Wood bounced back to form with a brilliant performance against Castleford in round three. He scored two tries to help Smith’s side claim their first win of the Super League season.

Smith said: “We haven’t been feeling sorry for him because we know he is a good player. He has had a real solid game and showed a bit more of what he is about.

“It’s great that a few more in the public have seen him in our colours doing more of what he is capable of.”

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As well as Wood’s brace, there were also tries from Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Brad Takairangi and Matt Parcell in Hull KR’s win over Castleford.

Smith admitted they were made to work for the two points by the Tigers, who have lost all three of their games so far this season.

Smith added: “We had to work hard for it, credit to Cas. You can see both teams really wanted it and wanted to get out there and perform well. They are going to be a good team this season. Don’t write them off.

“I’m pleased that we came through some of that arm wrestle period (of the game). There was a little bit of self-inflicted pain at times. We were just getting on top in the first half and let them back into it.

“Second half I thought we handled it better and got a little bit more like us, played a little more Hull KR-like. Sometimes it takes time to earn the right to play our way.”

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