Hull KR: Sandercock ready for derby's impact on Salford trip

CRAIG Sandercock admits he expects 'two or three' players to miss Monday's trip to face Salford after the physical demands of today's derby.

The Robins could be boosted for this afternoon's trip to the KC Stadium by the return of long-term absentees Ben Galea and Blake Green.

Both were named in KR's 19-man squad for the derby, stirring further debate as to whether one or both will play – or perhaps neither, with their inclusion being simply mind games.

However, whatever the outcome today, Sandercock admits some players will not be able to repeat the feat just over 72 hours later.

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"I'm expecting two, maybe three, players won't be able to back up after the derby," Sandercock told the Mail.

"The only players who won't play at Salford though will be those who aren't fit to play.

"We're not in a position in the table to rotate the squad, so I'll go in with the best 17 that's available."

Sandercock has not been shy in expressing his views against the double-header Easter fixtures.

Asked about the demands of the weekend, he labelled it 'ridiculous' earlier this week, given the high-impact nature of Super League.

However, despite not being in agreement with the game's rulers, he insists he has had plans in place for some time to help his players cope.

"It's all been planned well in advance," he said.

"We plan a month in advance every session we do.

"Tomorrow we'll have recovery and massages, then on Sunday we'll have a light run and prepare for Salford."

Rovers head into the weekend games looking to bounce back from a disappointing 34-30 loss at Castleford Tigers.

It was the Robins' leaky defence that cost them again, but Sandercock remains confident that is part of their game which will come right.

"We've leaked a few points, but it's a work in progress," he said.

"Any time you take over a side that has some issues in defence, it takes time. It's not going to happen overnight.

"We will stick with our structures in place, as we had shown signs of improvement."

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