The two players and two moments that led to Hull KR earning Super League Grand Final spot

Hull KR have set up a Grand Final rematch from last year, having beaten St Helens in a scrappy, physical and eventful Semi-Final.

Willie Peters’ men probably expected to be facing Leeds Rhinos this evening, but a moment of magic from Shane Wright last week booked Saints’ place in the final four, and a trip to Sewell Group Craven Park.

However, the Red Vee weren’t able to capture the spark they lit in the final five minutes against the Rhinos, as their season came to an end following a 20-12 defeat.

A relentless first-half defensive effort from the Robins kept St Helens from having a play the ball in their own 20m line, allowing for no attacking field position which allowed them to keep their opponents to nil.

Whilst they didn’t hit the perfect heights they have at times this season, KR were still able to capitalise on their opportunities, as Mikey Lewis and Joe Burgess crossed to give them a 12-0 lead at the break.

In the second half, Deon Cross managed to get Saints over for a try, and Harry Robertson added a consolation, but it wouldn’t be enough as two late tries from Oliver Gildart sent Hull KR through to the Theatre of Dreams next week.

We’ve picked out the moments and the players that won the game for the Robins, as St Helens exit the competition at the semi-final stage.

Where the game was won as Hull KR earn Super League Grand Final rematch

Dominant Waerea-Hargreaves

Kiwi legend Jared Waerea-Hargreaves had one of his best games in a KR shirt, as he rounds of his esteemed career in Red and White. He played well in the middle of the field, in two separate stints, and got the better of the Saints pack, which led to the Robins having a great amount of field position.

He was involved in a collision with Jon Bennison in the early stages, which was a moment in itself as it led to the Saints winger failing a HIA. He is renowned for his aggressive style of defence, and it was on show once again, however he stayed the correct side of the law, and posed a constant threat to the Saints attackers.

Glorious Gildart

Oliver Gildart’s two second-half tries proved to be enough, with the centre scoring his third try since his return from a lengthy injury. First, he was in the right place at the right time to pounce on a Joe Burgess pat down, before he crossed with 10 minutes to go to seal the victory.

Welsby goes for ten

In terms of moments, the Saints were dealt a double blow early on in the game, the first being a Bennison going off for a head test. However, that was worsened when stand-off Jack Welsby was sent to the sin bin for a professional foul on Robins hooker Jez Litten.

Skipper Elliot Minchella got an offload away to the electric number nine, who then kicked on for himself as he looked to score. He was then pulled back by Welsby, and although contact was minimal, there was enough for referee Liam Moore to send the England international to the bin.

In those ten minutes, Arthur Mourgue kicked a penalty goal, and Mikey Lewis crossed for the first try, which then set the tone for the majority of the match as the home side took control of the game and saw out the victory.

Hiku’s hit

One of the key events in the second half was a crucial tackle made on Jack Welsby by Rovers centre Peta Hiku. On the back of costing his side a penalty for dissent, the New Zealand international made up for his error with a strong hit on the Saints man, forcing a dropped ball.

KR retained possession, and in the subsequent set went down field which allowed Gildart to score his first try. That then led to the Rovers seeing out the game and booking their spot at Old Trafford next week.