Full shift demanded by coach Sandercock

Craig Sandercock hopes Hull KR can deliver an 80-minute performance on Sunday to finally kickstart their campaign.
Graeme Horne of Hull KR.Graeme Horne of Hull KR.
Graeme Horne of Hull KR.

The Robins have yet to win this season, but have put in some impressive first-half displays, like at Wigan Warriors last weekend when they let a half-time advantage slip away.

Now coach Sandercock is challenging his team to put in an full shift when Bradford Bulls are the visitors on Sunday.

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“Unfortunately in the second half we let ourselves down in a few key areas and Wigan were able to take their opportunities,” he said.

“We are confident we are heading in the right direction and I feel it was a big improvement in our performance (against Wigan).

“We now need to take one step further on Sunday.

“We feel if we can compete hard for the full game, come the end, we will be there or thereabouts.”

Despite Bradford’s off-field troubles, Sandercock is refusing to be complacent against Francis Cummins’s depleted squad.

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“Bradford have got a very good 1-17, but it’s about us turning up, doing the best we can,” he said.

“Luke Gale directs the side around the park and they have some very big outside backs in Adrian Purtell and Adam Henry, there are some players we need to look out for.”

Hull KR will face Warrington Wolves in the Challenge Cup next month, and Graeme Horne hopes to make it third time lucky in the knockout competition.

The 28-year-old missed out on lifting the trophy with former club Hull FC when he was left out of the 2005 cup-winning team, before being pipped by St Helens 
28-16 in the 2008 final.

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And even though Rovers have cup specialists Wolves as their first hurdle, one of five all-Super League ties, Horne insists they believe they can cause an upset.

“This is my third time here and we have had Super League teams every time in our first round,” he said.

“With the Challenge Cup, if you want to win it you are going to have to beat these teams.

“Sometimes you can be lucky and get Championship teams all the way through to the semi-finals, but you have to beat Super League teams if you want to win.

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“There’s five all-Super League draws, so if we can get through this round, you would expect to go a bit further with the way the draw has gone.

“I just missed out with Hull FC and didn’t play in the 2005 final. I played every round but the final.

“Then the second time, in 2008, we just missed out in the final. Hopefully I can make it third time lucky this year.”