Cup tie gives Hull KR a '˜chance to refocus'

HULL KR centre Iain Thornley conceded Thursday's 40-0 vanquishing by Catalans Dragons has proved a 'wake-up call' for everyone at the East Yorkshire club.
Iain Thornley.Iain Thornley.
Iain Thornley.

Less than a week after winning at champions Leeds Rhinos, Rovers crashed back down to earth with a shambolic home loss.

Thornley, the former Wigan Warriors star, admitted: “We had some things in the first half that definitely went against us, those 50/50 decisions. And we conceded three tries from kicks which is different to what we’re used to.

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“But it was a bit of a wake-up call. In games that we’ve played so far, we’ve been within six points or up at half-time.

“It’s a new challenge for us, to come back from this, but I’m confident we can turn it around.

“It gives us a kick up the backside and shows we need to knuckle down, especially with a long turnaround, now we can actually do some training.”

Rovers – still with just two wins this term – are back in action when they host Championship part-timers Oldham in the Challenge Cup in a week’s time.

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Having reached Wembley last season, KR know all about what the competition can provide.

Thornley, 24, won it with Wigan in 2013 and said: “We’re back in Monday and will probably get four days of training into us, which we haven’t been able to have over the last few weeks.

“We’ll have a look at some of this Oldham side on video and look to progress into the next round. I love the Challenge Cup, it’s a new competition and it gives us a chance to refocus.

“KR did really well last year and got to the final and it shows that we can get up for these games. We’ll be ready for it.”

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On Oldham, he added: “My brother Andrew faced them the other week (with Swinton Lions) and said they were a strong side.

“He’s given me a few tips on them and said they start well. We have to do better than against Catalans and match them.”