After a tumultuous week for Castleford Tigers, Hull KR have stuck the knife in even further, after a 44-0 win over the downbeat West Yorkshire side.
Jez Litten’s solo try opened the scoring, before Tom Davies’ first rounded out the first-half scoring.
However, six tries in the second half saw Willie Peters’ side take what would be a convincing victory, with try doubles coming for Davies, and Tyrone May.
Joe Burgess crossed for an intercept, whilst Peta Hiku and Rhyse Martin rounded out the tries, in what was a dominant performance, and one that was needed to strengthen their play-off hopes.
From injury concerns to a shock name in and amongst the Tigers’ camp, here are all the major talking points to come from tonight’s action at Wheldon Road.
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Castleford Tigers v Hull KR talking points
Litten magic sees Rovers dominate:
With Mikey Lewis still suspended, up-stepped Jez Litten, who again proved to be the difference after playing tremendously against Hull FC and Bradford.
Scoring the opening try of the game, the England international noticed full-back PLT was out of position, and put in a delicate grubber in behind to chase, which got Rovers on the board.
With some excellent kicks that controlled the game, the number nine continues to show why he is KR’s most influential player, and why Brian McDermott must start him for England at this year’s World Cup.
Another second-half capitulation:
After going into the sheds 10-0 down, Castleford didn’t really look like threatening the Robins, but at least they were still in the game scoreboard-wise.
Tyrone May’s first put Robins 16-0 up, but it was the three tries in 10 minutes between the 50th-60th minute that won KR the game.
Burgess’ intercept started it off, before two bits of Peta Hiku magic saw him both score and assist within minutes of each other.
Tom Davies would add his second later into the tie to give a 40-0 lead, before Rhyse Martin’s score made the full-time score 44-0.
Disciplinary and injury concerns for KR’s left edge:
KR’s Joe Burgess can find himself not to be shown a card, after a dangerous tip tackle on Jordan Lane in the final moments of the first half.
After the Robins just had a try ruled out, Lane took in the opening carry out of back-field, but was met by Burgess, who tipped him over the horizonal.
Luckily, Lane landed on his back and avoided any serious damage, but the tackle could have gone wrong, so the Robins winger could well be handed a charge from the Match Review Panel this week.
Shortly after, when the teams returned for the second half, a notable absentee from the 13 was Oliver Gildart, who was replaced by Rhyse Martin.
Castleford fans make their voice heard:
In the midst of Carr’s absence, Castleford fans were in full support of their head coach, with the faithful singing songs in support of him all evening.
Boos rang out every time the team scored, with sections of the ground booing specific players.
Whatever Carr’s outcome, it can’t be argued that he certainly has the backing of the supporters, and whether that will play a part in his future remains to be seen.
Brough returns to Tigers:
A surprise face was seen in and amongst the Castleford coaching staff this evening, with Danny Brough helping Chris Chester and co oversee proceedings in light of Carr’s absence.
Brough, a Man of Steel winner in 2013, played 35 games for the Tigers in his esteemed career, with those coming in 2006 and 2007.
More recently, the ex-Huddersfield, Hull FC and Wakefield man has been coaching in rugby union, at Huddersfield RUFC.
It was already confirmed that another former Man of Steel, 1999 winner Adrian Vowles, had committed to helping the club, so there was plenty of experience within the Castleford ranks this evening.
