Hull KR must 'step up' to fill Michael Dobson void
HULL KR coach Craig Sandercock wants his players to 'step up' and show their qualities in the absence of skipper Michael Dobson tomorrow.
The Robins host Castleford at MS3 Craven Park looking to bounce back from a disappointing 34-12 loss at Bradford, and will hope to record a fourth win of the season.
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Hull Kingston Rovers will be without Michael Dobson for the Castleford clash.
Whilst Dobson has been named in KR's 19-man squad, it is understood he will not feature because of a hamstring strain suffered last week.
Without his main playmaker, Sandercock admits it will be a tough assignment against the unpredictable Tigers, especially if Dobson's half-back partner Travis Burns (back) is also ruled out.
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But he says it is a chance for others to showcase their skills with a strong performance in front of their own fans.
"Instead of relying on Michael Dobson, people need to try and start well themselves, and others will have to step up to the mark," the Robins coach told the Mail.
"We took a little step backwards against Bradford, but in the preceding weeks we had taken giant steps forward.
"It is a case of us getting back to how we played and getting the discipline and approach we took in those games back.
"If we do that, I am reasonably confident we will do okay."
With his side having shown their capabilities with impressive victories over Warrington, London and Widnes, Sandercock knows consistency is the key to climbing the Super League ladder.
"The boys are always honest and always train hard," he said when asked about their reaction this week.
"They are a good bunch of lads and they are trying their best for their team and their club.
"Our problem is getting that consistency in our performance and we need to really concentrate and work hard on that.
"That is why Leeds, Warrington, Wigan and St Helens have been the benchmark for a number of years, because they do it on a consistent basis."
Rovers enter the contest as Super League's top scorers, and Sandercock is hoping that can lay the platform for better results as they work on their defensive solidity.
"Obviously, it is pleasing that we are scoring some points and scoring some nice tries," he said.
"The boys train hard and as a coach it is exceptionally pleasing when you see plays you do in training come off in a game.
"It is very pleasing, and it is great for the boys to do that.
"Now we have just got to make sure on the defensive side that we have a little more application to the task.
"From one to 17, Castleford have a strong squad and they have one of the best players in the world in Rangi Chase.
"The most important thing for us is to get into the grind early and go set for set. Last week we made a couple of errors early and that had us on the back-foot from then on."
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by Ricksinn
Sunday, March 24 2013, 5:47PM
“Dobson and Burns both fit for CAS game, just heard the team. Lovegrove out
Its all mind games for the derby game, Well done Mr Sandercock. I would imagine Hall or Paterson will be kicking tonight.”
by Dr_Slammer
Sunday, March 24 2013, 8:21AM
“In the absence of Dobbo I expect to see Rovers playing a far less expansive game, which means the defensive frailties the bulls exposed (down the middle) will need to be plugged from the off.
On Rovers website CS hints that Travis might also miss out and alludes to a Hall/Carlile pairing. I've no qualms about Hally but IMO this won't work - Carlile is another Murrell - just look at the wakey result. It speaks volumes!!!!
To me CS will gain total respect from the red'n'white faithful if he plays the specialist replacement rather than a square peg in a round hole. Beryl is Dobbo's protege therefore he plays. Its simples! How on earth are the young guns going to gain SL experience if CS keeps on overlooking them. Like I say, the fans will get behind the team so come on CS, do the right thing.
On the match, cas are due a 'bounce-back' and I am expecting a bit of a wollaping if I'am honest, unless of course Rovers turn up with the same attitude they showed against warry. The best case scenario for me is the match is cancelled re frozen pitch. . .but somehow Rovers aren't that lucky! Come on you REDS!”
by Butchers
Saturday, March 23 2013, 4:57PM
“Icarus Cas have had a win, they've beaten Leeds.”
by ginceloyal
Saturday, March 23 2013, 2:10PM
“Doesn't matter about Dobson if the conditions are like they are today. It'll be down to the forwards to win the battle and make sure Cas get pinned in by good tackling (yeah right). As we saw last night on a heavy snow bound pitch at St Helen's v Salford, the weather makes it a level playing field and its the team with the most desire who can play the conditions better who will win. Lets hope Rovers show the heart to win coz many times this season they haven't. It's not about losing, that's part of sport..............it's the way Rovers lose that is unacceptable. Anyway welcome to summer rugby!!!”
by albaz
Saturday, March 23 2013, 2:07PM
“On the one hand Sandercock says the fixture list is a a disgrace ,on the other he names Dobson in the squad for Cas. For **** sake USE THE SQUAD!!
Regardless of whether Dobson,Burns or any other player could pass a late fitness test or not they should not be even considered for the Cas game. Don't risk any player with an injury with the Easter games next up and if Burns or any other player is risked and aggravates an injury ,don't anyone ,anywhere talk about HINDSIGHT.
1”
by wilo74
Saturday, March 23 2013, 11:55AM
“If Burns and Dobson are so injured why name them in the 19 man squad (sl site). Doesn't make any sense put someone else in.”
by icarus1950
Saturday, March 23 2013, 11:25AM
“Won,t turn up Sunday whilst on Sky? Without Dobbo let's see what happens to us without any go forward... Cas beaten by all so we will obviously will give them their first win. Please Please don't let it happen!! We are a good team who needs a break this season,by the way agree with GS the RFL are seriously off the mark.”
by longwaytogo
Saturday, March 23 2013, 11:20AM
“well lets hope we dont get 20 points in front then get beat or that could be really embarassing especially if broncos were the whipping boys of SL !!LIKE SALFORD!!
maybe you should look at the teams you have played and where you should of been in the table, instead of looking at fc look at your own team, Happy easter!!!!”
by longwaytogo
Saturday, March 23 2013, 11:20AM
“well lets hope we dont get 20 points in front then get beat or that could be really embarassing especially if broncos were the whipping boys of SL !!LIKE SALFORD!!
maybe you should look at the teams you have played and where you should of been in the table, instead of looking at fc look at your own team, Happy easter!!!!”
by allwaysred1
Saturday, March 23 2013, 8:52AM
“alongwaytogo.Broncos will be no problem today then,What with, Run forest run gump, Tom Briscoe, stating your a top 4 team,..big black cloud over London,..A London embarrassment is on the cards..Lets hope in training Genitals. has been showing your out fit where the try line is...Broncos to win by 10pts”