Atkin seals stylish Salford victory over Hull KR in Magic Weekend opener

Salford strengthened their Super League playoff credentials with a superb victory against Hull KR in the opening game of the Magic Weekend to solidify their position inside the top six.

Paul Rowley’s side, the lowest spenders in the league who were one game from a second Grand Final appearance last season, look wholly capable of defying the odds again. They trailed Rovers by two points with 10 minutes remaining at St James’ Park, before tries from former Robins players Ken Sio and Chris Atkin secured victory Salford. They are not only winning games, but they are doing it in style, too.

Rovers, like Salford, have aspirations of reaching Old Trafford, and the fine start both teams have made to the season was underlined by a contest that ebbed and flowed throughout the afternoon in Newcastle. Hull KR led by two points at the break, after tries from Elliot Minchella and George King put them 12-10 ahead. Salford’s points in response came via a Joe Burgess try and three goals from the boot of Marc Sneyd.

The second half was equally as tight, too. With neither side affording the other an inch defensively, Sneyd took full advantage from the kicking tee again, converting two more penalties inside three minutes, the latter of which saw Dean Hadley sent to the sin-bin for Hull KR following a late hit on the Salford scrum-half. Salford’s Deon Cross was then shown a yellow card for foul play and with Cross off the field, Rovers took advantage when Ryan Hall finished superbly in the corner.

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However, Salford would have the final say in matters. A superb break from Ryan Brierley was finished