Hull KR verdict as Robins lose out to Saints after spirited performance

On a day where St Helens legend James Roby became the all-time appearance holder in Super League, it was always going to be a tough ask for Hull KR to spoil the party, as the spirited Robins were pipped 26-18 by the Saints on Sunday afternoon.

Tony Smith named the same 17 that defeated Salford Red Devils a week ago, the first time Rovers have named consecutive squads all season.

The champions got off to the perfect start as Tommy Makinson opened the scoring in the first minute after a Jack Welsby kick baffled Ryan Hall, who failed to capture the bomb.

The Saints went down to 12 men after 8 minutes when Jack Welsby saw yellow for a push on Coote in the back play, and Rovers made the numbers count as Coote scooted over from close range in front of his former supporters as he converted his try to give KR the lead.

The man of the moment Roby regained the lead for the Saints as the veteran hooker darted over from close range after ducking away from three Rovers defenders. Rovers were then dealt a double whammy as George King left the field after splitting his eye open before Morgan Knowles took a short pass from Walmsley to extend the champions' lead.

The tries kept on coming in the first half. Ryan Hall took his Super League tally to 11 in 2022 as a near-cut-out pass from Coote found the winger in acres of space to earn the Robins another four points.

The Robins were handed a killer blow on the half-time hooter as Matt Parcell was sent to the sin-bin for holding down close to the Rovers line, and Makinson added the easy two points as Rovers trailed 18-12 at the break.

After a fiery start to the second half, Rovers were caught napping after a break from Hurrell as Ben Davies raced downfield to beat Ethan Ryan and Mikey