Hull KR coach Tony Smith sees realistic route to Challenge Cup final against Leeds Rhinos

BOSS TONY Smith reckons Hull KR have a realistic chance of winning the Coral Challenge Cup, but insists that won’t change their approach against Leeds Rhinos tomorrow night.
By Peter Smith
Published 17th Sep 2020, 17:00 GMT
Updated 17th Sep 2020, 18:14 GMT
Hull KR and former Leeds Rhinos boss, Tony Smith. Picture: Bruce Rollinson/JPIMedia.Hull KR and former Leeds Rhinos boss, Tony Smith. Picture: Bruce Rollinson/JPIMedia.
Hull KR and former Leeds Rhinos boss, Tony Smith. Picture: Bruce Rollinson/JPIMedia.

Rovers are bottom of Betfred Super League, despite beating Wigan Warriors and taking St Helens to extra-time in their past two games, but a win tomorrow would secure a place in Saturday’s Cup semi-final draw.

Smith’s side have been known for their flamboyant style of rugby this year and, with no relegation, they can afford to take risks. The former Leeds coach pledged that won’t change in a different competition.

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“It’s the only competition realistically we could win,” Smith said of the Challenge Cup. “Each game is important for our club and I think every club would say that.

Hull KR coach Tony Smith reckons the Robins would be playing a different style of rugby had they not lost Mose Masoe to a career-ending spinal injury earlier this year. Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.Hull KR coach Tony Smith reckons the Robins would be playing a different style of rugby had they not lost Mose Masoe to a career-ending spinal injury earlier this year. Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.
Hull KR coach Tony Smith reckons the Robins would be playing a different style of rugby had they not lost Mose Masoe to a career-ending spinal injury earlier this year. Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.

“If we try to go toe-to-toe with most teams, we haven’t got the biggest pack in the world. If Mose [Masoe] was still part of it we’d play differently , but we try to play to our strengths.

“We defended pretty well for most of the game last week, but I didn’t think we attacked particularly well. I’d like to think we can improve from last week, but hopefully we’ll keep the same sort of attitude in defence.”

Rovers were crushed 52-10 at Emerald Headingley in February, but are in better shape now. Smith said: “We had a huge injury list early in the season and we have got some of those players back.

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“We’ve been able to strengthen a bit and get a couple more numbers in and that’s helped us. It gives you confidence too, not having as many injuries.”

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Related topics:TONY SMITHHull KRLeedsSuper LeagueWigan WarriorsSt Helens

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