Super League: Wakefield Trinity 18-6 Hull KR - Home side secure Super League status
- Published
Lewis Murphy has scored eight tries in his past five matches
Betfred Super League |
|---|
Wakefield (0) 18 |
Tries: Kershaw, Murphy, Jowitt Goals: Jowitt 2, Fifita |
Hull KR (6) 6 |
Tries: Vete Goals: Milnes |
Wakefield Trinity came from behind to beat Hull KR and secure their Super League status in style.
Toulouse's defeat by Catalans meant Willie Poching's side's top-flight position would have been confirmed even if they had lost.
The away side led 6-0 at the break through Kenny Vete's try.
Lee Kershaw's score levelled it for the hosts before in-form winger Lewis Murphy went over in spectacular fashion and Max Jowitt's try sealed the win.
A run of three wins from their previous four games had left Wakefield needing a maximum of one point from their final three matches to secure safety.
As it was, even that was not needed and Poching's men can now properly plan for next year in Super League.
Popular prop David Fifita marked his final appearance at Belle Vue with a goal after Jowitt's late try as the home side were able to enjoy the final minutes of the game.
The result, combined with Salford's win over Hull FC, ended the Robins' very slim play-off prospects.
Danny McGuire's side welcome second-placed Wigan on Monday, while Wakefield travel to leaders St Helens on the same day.
Wakefield coach Willie Poching:
"It does feel good. A couple of weeks ago we put the situation in our own hands and I really like the way we've gone about things in the last month.
"We showed some of the Wakey spirit tonight. It's frustrating that we've not been able to show more of it throughout the year, but doing it on our terms and with two games to go is really pleasing.
"There's a tinge of relief and a bit of finality. We can start the planning process for next season with some confidence.
"We got a bit loose in the first half but fixed it up in the second half."
Hull KR interim coach Danny McGuire:
"I didn't think we were great with the ball, we were really scratchy and didn't challenge them enough, but defensively we were good. They scored two tries off kicks.
"I thought we showed bags of spirit and commitment.
"I'm disappointed because we're all here to win. Everybody is feeling a bit down, but they've got to pick themselves up and do it again on Monday, which is crazy."
Wakefield: Arona, Crowther, Bowden, Ashurst, Hall, Aydin, Miller, Lino, Murphy, Gaskell, Croft, Kershaw, Jowitt.
Interchanges: Fifita, Kay, Shaw, Butler.
Hull KR: Lewis, Ryan, Keinhorst, Tate, Hall, Litten, Milnes, Storton, Parcell, King, Halton, Linnett, Minchella.
Interchanges: Vete, Sims, Maher, Wood.
Referee: Marcus Griffiths.