Hull KR registered their second win of the new Super League season as they beat out Leeds Rhinos 22-12 in difficult conditions at Craven Park.
It was the second time in two games that the Robins scored 22 points as they managed to defeat Rohan Smith’s Rhinos in front of a packed-out Craven Park.
The game certainly won’t be remembered as a classic in terms of the game play with the quality hampered massively by the poor underfoot conditions, but once again sin bins were a talking point.
Peta Hiku was sent for ten by referee Chris Kendall within the first five minutes with the Hull KR full-back adjudged to have committed a professional by holding down beyond the completed tackle.
It was during that period that the Rhinos went in front and Hull KR were only able to claim the lead off the back of a Leeds Rhinos sin bin with James Donaldson sent for ten for a swinging arm seconds from the half-time hooter.
Jez Litten kicked the resulting penalty to notch the Robins ahead 8-6 at halftime and that proved critical with Rovers scoring at the end of that ten-minute period to extend their lead.
Leeds pegged one back through a brilliant Ash Handley try the game was killed off when Sam Lisone became the third man to see yellow as he clocked KR captain Elliot Minchella around the head, the Robins able to add a further eight points beyond that moment to win the game.
So whilst there weren’t any red cards like in Hull KR’s opener the sin bins certainly determined the game with points scored in each period against the team that was a man down.
But the question among fans revolved around if those sin bins should have been punished more, with the James Donaldson tackle one triggering plenty of conversation.
Leeds Rhinos fans in for “another long painful season”
Regardless of the result fans weren’t impressed with the large number of sin bins once again with one taking to X, formerly Twitter, to express their frustrations.
They argued: “12v13 for at least half an hour every game, no one wants to watch this. Provide more training to the players, provide more communication to the fans and provide ref explanations to eradicate inconsistencies and confusion.”
12v13 for at least half an hour every game, no one wants to watch this
Provide more training to the players
Provide more communication to the fans
Provide ref explanations to eradicate inconsistencies and confusion— oliver (@walkeroli_) February 22, 2024
As for Leeds Rhinos fans, they weren’t impressed with the game plan with several fans responding to the club’s own post to air their grievances.
One responded: “Another year of Smith Ball running up the middle and kicking on the 5th,” which was echoed by another who stated: “Zero change from last year.”
Said it last week. Zero change from last year. Backs are used as bartering rams. Defensive line is passive and applying no pressure. We create very little and our backs have no freedom. We are light in the pack. Only time we get anything is with a trick play.
— Eggman (@2eggman) February 22, 2024
Discipline was again attributed as one of the major reasons for the loss with both Rohan and Cam Smith questioned, the Leeds Rhinos skipper having ironically highlighted discipline as the key factor when interviewed at half-time.
Minutes later the skipper gave away a penalty, prompting fans to react: “Both Smiths need to be asked more serious questions about the discipline of this team,” one fan argued.
Both Smiths need to be asked serious questions about the discipline of this team
— Dave (@crighters11) February 22, 2024
Another said: “Discipline Discipline Discipline! Cam spoke at halftime & then gave 3 pens away. Bentley needs to wind his neck. Sangare needs to work harder.”
Discipline Discipline Discipline! Cam spoke at halftime & then gave 3 pens away. Bentley needs to wind his neck. Sangare needs to work harder. Early days in the season so there’s always hope?
— Mark Sunter (@MarkSunter) February 22, 2024
One was far more downbeat, stating: “Gunna be another long painful season.”
Gunna be another long painful season
— Darren Stead (@Beestonwhite) February 22, 2024
Whilst those Rhinos fans were understandably upset another set of fans that weren’t impressed were Castleford Tigers fans with the Liam Watts red card once again being mentioned.
In this case, it was used as a benchmark for what is or isn’t a red card with plenty arguing James Donaldson’s high shot was far worse than the one that landed Watts a four-game ban.
One asked: “Can anyone explain how Liam Watts got a red but Donaldson walks off with a yellow?”
Can anyone explain how Liam Watts got a red but Donaldson walks off with a yellow?
— Harry Render (@HarryRender8) February 22, 2024
Another added: “I’d love someone to explain how that’s worse than Liam Watts last Sunday, the RFL continuing to be the biggest joke ever.”
Whilst it was a poor game in terms of quality the trend of reacting to sin bins as opposed to tries, tackles and impressive attendances is a worrying one.
I’d love someone to explain how that’s worse than Liam watts last Sunday, @TheRFL continuing to be the biggest joke ever
— Matthew 🍻 (@matthewxsutton) February 22, 2024
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