Yorkshire | Wakefield Trinity stun Hull KR

Wakefield Trinity 28 - 12 Hull KR

Hull KR’s hopes of securing the League Leaders’ Shield will be decided on the final day of the Super League season after Wakefield Trinity stunned the table-toppers with a superb victory.

Author | Terry J

Stadium |  DIY Kitchens Stadium

The Robins needed a win to confirm top spot but were blown away in the opening half, finding themselves 26-0 behind at the interval. Trinity, who must win their remaining two games to claim the sixth and final play-off place, produced their best performance of the season to leave the visitors reeling.

Jake Trueman, Mason Lino, Max Jowitt and Cameron Scott all crossed for tries, with Lino adding four conversions and a penalty. Arthur Mourgue and Oliver Gildart scored in reply after the break, but the expected Robins fightback never fully materialised.

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Hull KR must now avoid defeat against Warrington on Thursday to lift the Shield, with Wigan sitting two points behind and 41 worse off on points difference. Trinity, meanwhile, will secure sixth spot by beating bottom side Salford Red Devils next Friday, or if Catalans Dragons overcome Hull FC the night before.

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Around 2,000 travelling fans had made the trip along the M62 hoping to see the Robins add the Shield to the Challenge Cup they lifted earlier this season. They arrived as heavy favourites against a Trinity side that had capitulated in defeat to Castleford the previous week.

Daryl Powell’s team responded emphatically, however, producing a devastating first-half display orchestrated by Lino, who outshone his opposite number Mikey Lewis. Lino’s high kick created the opening for Trueman, before the scrum-half feinted through a gap for a try of his own.

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Lewis then spilled a Trueman pass into the hands of Jowitt, who raced clear, before Jowitt combined with Scott to deliver a fourth first-half try.

Rovers looked set to rally when Mourgue finished off a fine move involving Sam Luckley and James Batchelor. But with Jowitt kicking flawlessly from the tee, including a late penalty, Trinity held firm. Gildart’s first try since Easter, on his return from injury, was no more than consolation for the leaders.