Hull KR 40-4 Salford Red Devils: Player ratings and three major talking points

In a re-arranged fixture for the Sky cameras, Hull Kingston Rovers capitalised and delivered a special treat, not only for their home support, but for the rest of the rugby league world with a scintillating performance over Salford Red Devils.

1. Super League needs the Captain’s Challenge!

An easy talking point that has got the pundits debating is whether Super League should introduce the Captain’s Challenge concept. A highly controversial incident saw Chris Atkin sin-binned for a supposed professional foul. The former KR player produced a miraculous try saving tackle on Matt Parcell before stripping the ball one-on-one but referee Chris Kendall nevertheless marched Atkin off the field for ten minutes. The Red Devils were on top but following that incident, KR capitalised with 16 unanswered first half points as the momentum completely changed. Had the challenge been implemented, just like in the NRL, perhaps things would have turned out differently?!

2. The Robins are emerging as dark horses

But despite any controversy occurring, there is no denying that Hull Kingston Rovers were fully deserving of their big win, keeping them in the top half of the table. After suffering an early try to former player Ken Sio, the Robins never looked back with 40 unanswered points to secure a huge win. Tony Smith seems to have introduced a new dimension of free-flowing attacking rugby league that could really cause trouble for all opposition for the remainder of this season.

3. Salford are in serious danger

Meanwhile, less than a year after playing at Wembley, Salford Red Devils are now in serious danger of being relegated. Okay Leigh Centurions are below them still without a win but the Red Devils have found themselves on the back of a sixth loss by 20 or more points. Definitely worrying signs for the Manchester side as they just cannot seem to find any sort of form and one must ask the question of where does Richard Marshall go from here?!

Hull Kingston Rovers
Adam Quinlan – 8
Ben Crooks – 7
Brad Takairangi – 9
Shaun Kenny-Dowall – 9
Ryan Hall – 9
Rowan Milnes – 8
Jordan Abdull – 9
George Lawler – 8
Matt Parcell – 8
Will Maher – 7
Kane Linnett – 8
Luis Johnson- 7
Dean Hadley – 7 
Substitutes
Korbin Sims – 8
Jez Litten – 7
George King – 8
Matty Storton – 7

Salford Red Devils
Morgan Escare – 5
Joe Burgess – 6
Ken Sio – 6
Ben Davies – 7
Rhys Williams – 7
Tui Lolohea – 6
Chris Atkin – 7
Lee Mossop – 6
Andy Ackers – 6
Jack Wells – 6
Harvey Livett – 7
Pauli Pauli – 7
Elijah Taylor – 6 
Substitutes
Sebastine Ikahihifo – 6
Greg Burke – 6
Sam Luckley – 6
Declan Patton – 6