Atkin caps Salford’s comeback to down Hull KR

Salford strengthened their Super League playoff credentials with a superb 26-16 victory against Hull KR in the opening game of the Magic Weekend to solidify their position inside the top six.

Paul Rowley’s side, the lowest spenders in the league who were one game from a second Grand Final appearance last season, look wholly capable of defying the odds again. They trailed Rovers by two points with 12 minutes remaining at St James’ Park before tries from the former Robins players Ken Sio and Chris Atkin secured victory. They are not only winning games but doing so in style, too.

Rovers, like Salford, have aspirations of reaching Old Trafford, and the fine start both teams have made to the season was underlined by a contest that ebbed and flowed in Newcastle.

Hull KR, who lost James Batchelor midway through the first half when was taken off on a stretcher in a neck brace and subsequently taken to hospital as a precautionary measure, led by two points at the break, after tries from Elliot Minchella and George King put them 12-10 ahead. Salford’s points in response came via a Joe Burgess try and three goals from the boot of Marc Sneyd.

The second half was equally tight. With neither side affording the other an inch defensively, Sneyd took full advantage from the kicking tee again. He converted two more penalties inside three minutes, the latter of which led to Dean Hadley being sent to the sin-bin for Hull KR following a late hit on the Salford scrum-half.

Salford’s Deon Cross was then shown a yellow card for foul play and Rovers took advantage of his absence when Ryan Hall finished superbly in the corner.

However, Salford would have the final say in matters. A superb break from Ryan Brierley was finished by Sio before another exceptional team move led to Atkin crossing for the try that put the result beyond doubt.