Hull KR player ratings as three score 8/10 as they make history against Warrington Wolves

Hull KR hosted Warrington Wolves tonight with the Robins bidding to make it their first-ever Grand Final in front of a sold-out Craven Park.

The Robins’ stadium had seen a temporary stand erected but they’d still managed to pack it out to create a brilliant atmosphere, something that had been much discussed in regards to the club’s ‘home advantage’.

That was something that they capitalised on as they won 10-8 in a game of two halves, being well under the pump for much of the second half.

Hull KR were without suspended captain Elliot Minchella whilst centre Oliver Gildart missed out meaning that Jack Broadbent replaced him in the centres. As for Warrington, they were at full strength barring the injured Lachlan Fitzgibbon.

The Robins went in 10-0 up at halftime after tries from James Batchelor and Joe Burgess but the controversial awarding of Burgess’ score, as well as the fact that Warrington had one ruled out for Matt Dufty, will certainly be a talking point.

Two tries from Matty Ashton early in the second half meant that Warrington spent the final 20 minutes on top but Hull KR somehow managed to hold on.

Hull KR player ratings

Niall Evalds – 7
So secure at the back under the high ball as he has been all season. On an occasion as intense as tonight, Niall Evalds is the sort of player you want at the back. Being critical, you could argue that he should perhaps have done more on Ashton’s try.

Joe Burgess – 8
Held up just short on the half-hour mark but was perhaps then fortunately awarded a try minutes later after a dart from dummy-half. His ankle tap on Matty Ashton saved a near-certain try and was just one aspect of a very strong defensive performance.

Peta Hiku – 4
Criminal defending for Matty Ashton’s try with the centre failing to focus on the ball. Became targetted in the second half by Warrington.

Jack Broadbent – 6
Deputised after Oliver Gildart failed to recover from a rib injury but put in a solid performance on the left edge with veteran Ryan Hall. Carried an impressive amount when coming out of territory.

Ryan Hall – 6
Carried as strong as an ox particularly when getting the Robins out of territory but knocked on late on to give Warrington a chance to win the game. He didn’t have much involvement inside Warrington’s 20 with Hull KR favouring their right edge.

Tyrone May – 5
Rightfully earned the penalty that granted territory for the opener and then laid the assist on too. Hull KR needed him to have more of a say in the second half.

Mikey Lewis – 5
Kicked out on the full early on under pressure from Ben Currie and would later let Warrington out by conceding an offside penalty. Biggest contribution in the first half came from getting under the skin of Warrington, in particular John Bateman and George Williams. One of his poorer performances of the season but he’s put the team on his back so often that he’s due an off night.

Jesse Sue – 7
Brilliant opening carry and his first stint was one to behold. Recent weeks have shown why he has established himself as one of the best in Super League.

Matt Parcell – 7
Controlled the pace. Hull KR controlled the first half with their superior ruck speed and Parcell was responsible for much of that.

Jai Whitbread -7
The Hull KR pack had a job on their hands with how big Warrington are but Whitbread more than matched up well against Wire’s big boys.

Matty Storton – 7
Hull KR will miss lots next year when Storton leaves to join Wakefield. Industrious in the role that would normally be occupied by Dean Hadley.

James Batchelor – 8
Show-and-go on the right edge opened enough of a gap for the on-field captain to open the scoring. His break helped set up the Joe Burgess controversial try.

Dean Hadley – 8
There is a reason why Hull KR fans love this man. Machine-like throughout the game. No Minchella, no problem.

Interchanges

Jez Litten – 6
Came on at the hour mark when Warrington were on top so had a tough task showing anything going forward but equally made no errors.

Kelepi Tanginoa – 5
Found himself too involved in the nitty gritty battles rather than playing his own game.

Sam Luckley – 6
Came on and spelled with Sue whose boots are very big ones to fill but physically he matched up.

Jack Brown – 5
Made his presence known as soon as he came on with a huge hit on Joe Philbin but his wild offload saw Warrington granted possession from which they would eventually score.