Sandercock is backed to steer Robins to next level

The Australian had been under intense scrutiny after a turbulent campaign and speculation raged over whether he would be retained at MS3 Craven Park when his two-year contract expired at the end of the season.

However, Sandercock has been offered a 12-month extension to his deal with the Robins’ board perhaps realising, given the numerous obstacles he has encountered since day one, that he should be given longer to prove his worth.

Considering they are not spending the full salary cap for the first time since moving up to Super League and the former Newcastle Knights assistant has still yet to field his preferred starting line-up given their, at times, crippling injury list, Hull KR actually remain in a decent position.

Victory over visitors Bradford Bulls tomorrow would see them rise back into the top eight at least until Monday when St Helens head to second-placed Huddersfield.

Furthermore, the outrageous video referee decision that saw them suffer an agonising defeat in the derby against Hull FC a week ago probably sums up the sort of bad fortune Sandercock has endured.

Sandercock says discussions are “ongoing” but Hull KR prop Evarn Tuimavave told the Yorkshire Post: “Of course I’d like him to stay.

“I think the longer Sandy spends here, the better this team will be.

“As long as everyone can stick together, he will improve this side.

“It’s a tough ask to develop your side in just one or two years unless you’re some sort of super coach with an amazing team of players.

“Sandy needs longer to do that here. He knows his footy really well, the ins and outs of the game, and he tries to educate all the players.

“He’s bringing on a lot of the young English talent here and that can only be good for the future of the club and the competition.”

Tuimavave, who joined from Newcastle Knights himself last winter, acknowledges the importance of tomorrow’s game when ninth play seventh in the congested battle for those elusive play-off places.

“It’s a must-win game,” said the New Zealander, Rovers having capitulated 34-12 at Bradford in March.

“They’re a couple of points ahead of us and we don’t really want to see that gap get any larger or the play-offs could slip away. “We’ve improved a lot through the year from where we were last time against Bradford.

“We shot ourselves in the foot that day but we’re not making as many errors or conceding penalties now and we’re a different team. Hopefully, we can better again and get on top of the Bulls this time.”

The 28-year-old admits it was initially difficult coming to terms with the manner of their 22-16 loss against Hull FC when video referee Steve Ganson wrongly awarded Chris Green a crucial late try for their fierce rivals.

“I’d never seen anything like it before,” added a player who featured in more than 100 NRL games for New Zealand Warriors.

“It was so obvious for everyone to see. My wife doesn’t watch that much footy, but she knew it was offside. That speaks for itself.

“But there’s nothing we can do about it now. We can jump up and down and scream, but it’s done. The footy gods were shining down on Hull FC on Saturday. We were pretty disappointed, but then Sandy was quick to get us back on track for this game.”

It was Tuimavave’s first game after missing six matches following a calf injury picked up in the league win over St Helens.

“It was frustrating and one of those injuries that takes a bit of time to heal,” he explained.

“I didn’t run for four weeks and it still felt a bit iffy. I was just glad I pulled through okay, but I’m all good for Bradford now.

“They have some big boys, a real strong pack, and are a very good side so we have to be at our best.”

The robust forward, who represented New Zealand once against England in 2008, is contracted until the end of 2014. Asked what he intends to do then, he replied: “It’s too early to say. I just want to get through this year injury-free and then we’ll make a decision about what’s best next year.

“It’s been a good experience. I was gutted to miss the Challenge Cup, but hopefully I’ll get a chance next year and make the eight this time.

“The main difference for me is that in the NRL every game is so evenly matched each week. That’s not always the case in Super League fixtures; every game is tough but you do not face real high quality opposition all the time. In the NRL, any side can beat any other.”

Rovers have loose-forward Rhys Lovegrove available as the knee injury suffered a week ago is not as bad as first feared while winger David Hodgson returns after a dislocated finger.

Fellow wideman Luke George (knee) is out for three weeks, while Kris Welham is seeing a specialist to determine whether he can delay major shoulder surgery until the end of the season.

Bradford have dropped co-captain Matt Diskin, but full-back Brett Kearney makes a welcome return.

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