Hull KR win in Toronto was important

Hull KR battled to a 28-22 win over Toronto Wolfpack at the weekend, the first time a Super League side has played the new boys in Canada.

Two superb tries by Junior Vaivai, off a great break and pass by Adam Quinlan, and former Wolfpack back Craig Hall helped the Robins to a 14-6 lead at half time and they did enough to secure a vital two points in the second half.

Having suffered a surprising home defeat to Salford in the first week of The Qualifiers, the two points were most welcome for coach Tim Sheens.

He told the club’s official website: “It was up and down for us all day, we were behind and then we got a lead and should have put them away.

“We didn’t construct a lot I was disappointed with that but we just had enough individual skill to get across the line when we needed to.

“Any side coming here is going to have it tough and their record here is very, very strong so I’m happy to have come and won. They were the Championship leaders by a long way, the same as us last year and we were no pushovers last year either. So to get the win, going into Leeds in two weeks is very, very important.

“I can’t calculate or put a percentage on this win, it’s so vital for us to get back on the horse after losing last week and Salford have won again meaning they have a foot in the door already and facing Leeds on the back of two losses would have been a massive ask.”

Captain Shaun Lunt sat out the win, despite travelling with the squad to Canada, but will be back when they travel to face the Rhinos on Saturday September 1.

Todd and Justin Carney and Lee Jewitt are also expected to be back from injury, while Maurice Blair will be back from his suspension.