Dave Craven: Spotlight on Sandercock after biggest defeat in Robins history

Rarely can there have been such a huge swing in emotions than those endured by Hull KR’s chief over the Easter weekend.

It had long been publicly stated that his tenure would come under review around this period and so, when he oversaw a rousing Good Friday win across the river at fierce rivals Hull FC, you would think his stock would be soaring at just the right time.

For all the criticism about the Australian’s management and question marks over his ability to take Rovers to the next level, it did mark a fourth win in five games.

Not many sides in Super League could cite form like that and he was certainly well armed to enter any talks with Neil Hudgell if the chairman did summon him to his office.

Yet, less than 72 hours later, what a completely different picture was drawn.

Backing up against the new leaders, Wigan Warriors, on Easter Monday was always going to be arduous and no-one truly expected Rovers to secure another two points.

However, being on the receiving end of a record-breaking and hugely embarrassing 84-6 home loss was not foreseen either.

It was the Robins’ biggest defeat in their 131-year history and as demoralising as they come.

The old argument that their fans are only bothered about the derby result – something Hudgell has also levelled at some players – feels weak when that scoreline is addressed in the cold light of day.

If Sandercock had made a raft of changes to his side, included half-a-dozen kids perhaps, then maybe it could be explained.

But the majority of those who had brought Hull to their knees three days earlier were there again and, to an alarming degree, simply did not perform.

So, from the high of that derby win, Sandercock could only watch on in disbelief as all that hard work was swiftly and so painfully undone.

He will have woken yesterday to see Hudgell describing the ordeal as the lowest point of his nine years at the helm and questioning the professionalism and attitude of players who wore the famous red and white jersey.

Hudgell must be wondering, too, if he did get this appointment right after 18 months of inconsistency since the little-known Newcastle Knights assistant was flown over to replace Justin Morgan.

Under Sandercock, Rovers have never failed to hurt sides and are a prolific team yet their defensive deficiencies continue to return to haunt them.

The 84-6 mauling aside was a freakish result but it does not mask the fact that Rovers have leaked on average more than 30 points a game in their 10 Super League matches.

It is a biting statistic and unless it can be overturned soon it seems like being the one which could curtail Sandercock’s reign.

When it comes to his public persona, he is not the most enigmatic or colourful character and it is plain to see that he views dealings with the media as a bit of a chore he could do without.

But that is irrelevant; he is not paid to cosy-up with journalists and furnish them with banter but rather secure Super League points and improve his squad.

His contract is up at the end of the year and Hudgell must decide whether Sandercock is doing those things to the requisite level.

The Rovers chairman says there is no timescale on making that decision and, crucially for the head coach, there does not seem like being a knee-jerk reaction to what happened on Monday.

But Rovers – clinging on to eighth, the last play-off spot – are back at Craven Park on Sunday for St Helens and another sizeable challenge.

He needs his chastened players to respond immediately as, with Huddersfield Giants and Leeds Rhinos looming, this month will not get any easier.

Last year, an Easter Monday win over Salford started a run of six wins in seven games – Sandercock needs that again but, even then, the sums might not add up for this former economics teacher to reach 2014 in charge.