Burns moves on from sudden exit of coach

Loyal co-captain Travis Burns has had to put his feelings to one side following the sacking of Hull KR head coach Craig Sandercock and is now intent on firing the club to the play-offs.
By Dave Craven
Published 11th Jul 2014, 07:45 BST
Hull KR's Travis Burns.Hull KR's Travis Burns.
Hull KR's Travis Burns.

Rovers visit Leeds Rhinos 
tonight looking for a second successive win since the Australian was surprisingly released just over a week ago.

The news had come as a shock to Burns, the gifted 30-year-old stand-off who Sandercock brought to East Yorkshire at the end of 2012.

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“He’s someone I hold in high regard and I knew him back home,” said the player, who shrugged off the disappointment to help inspire a stunning 40-10 victory for Rovers – now under the command of former assistant Chris Chester – over leaders St Helens on Sunday.

“He coached me in the ranks at Manly when I first came through and made my debut in the NRL and I do have a lot of time for him.

“It’s a pretty cut-throat business rugby league, but that’s the way the club has gone.

“Chessie has taken over and he’s done a great job having learned so much off Craig and also Justin Morgan before him.

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“He’s definitely done his time. It’s very trying times at the club, but it’s time for a new chapter.

“I’m disappointed Craig has gone but we have to move on and have a good finish to this season.

“Saints was a massive win for the boys after all the drama of the week with Sandy going like that but now we have to carry it on.”

Second-placed Leeds will be smarting after their surprise loss at Wakefield and Burns said: “They’re a great side and aren’t near the top of the ladder for no reason.

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“Kallum Watkins is the best centre in the competition if not one of the best in the world.

“But it’s more important we worry about our own game and keep improving.

“We took a massive step forward against Saints but we have to now do it against Leeds, too.

“We put a performance in there last year to get the win and we can take confidence from that.

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“There’s still eight rounds to go so that’s 16 points up for grabs and we were only a point behind Widnes in eighth going into this round.

“We do have a tough run but we should have beaten Huddersfield, did beat Saints and are now off to Leeds so it’s not the easiest but we go with confidence.”

Related topics:Hull KRLeeds RhinosChris Chester