Tony Smith hails returning Hull KR supporters after Leigh victory
Tony Smith paid tribute to the Hull KR supporters who returned to Craven Park to see his side beat Leigh 40-16.
The Robins ran in seven tries in total, dominating the league’s bottom side in the second half after leading 18-12 at the break.
Close to 4,000 fans were in attendance as KR eased past Super League’s latest addition to record their fourth win of the 2021 season.
Speaking post-match, Smith said: “The supporters have stuck by us. I’m delighted and it was nice for the players to get their appreciation of what we did today.”
Discussing the performance of his side, he added: “The start was very good. To let some of that advantage we got in the early stages of the match, scoring three tries then letting two in, sort of undid some of our good work.
“I thought the second half (we had) a lot better control of the game and (were) a little bit more fluid.”
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Smith also gave special credit to Ryan Hall, whose hat-trick took his season tally to double figures, captain Shaun Kenny-Dowall and forward Dean Hadley, who suffered severe swelling to his face last week in what was initially feared to be a fractured cheekbone.
“I told him [Hall] at the start of the year he would score a number of tries for us,” he said.
“Our skipper was great today. He led the way and showed a lot of character. He took some of those tough carries for us.
“I will make special mention of Dean Hadley as well. He wore a mask that the physio made up. He’s got a nasty facial wound.
“It was never in doubt that he would play. He puts the team and the club first. I thought he was terrific too, I thought he played really well.”
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