Half-backs the key to Salford’s puzzle for Hull KR

Hull KR coach Willie Poching is looking forward to seeing some talented half-backs on the pitch this evening against Salford.

Rovers are aiming to make it four consecutive wins when they welcome the Red Devils to the KC Lightstream Stadium.

Poching knows that there is plenty of creative potential in the Salford line-up.

“They’ve got three half backs out on the field at once at the moment in Theo Fages, Michael Dobson and Rangi Chase. They’re all fantastic and dangerous players in their own right,” he told his club’s official website.

“Theo Fages has been the one who’s really taken the headlines this year in a team that’s struggled a bit at times. In the absence of some senior players, he’s really stepped up to the mark.

“It’ll be a great competition in the halves, they’ll throw some questions at us – kicking, tactically and running the ball – but we’ve prepared as much as we can with the timeframe we’ve had and we’ve done some homework on them.

“Our half backs will be ready to go too, ours can pose some dangers and hopefully they can ask some questions of the opposition as well.”

With the inspirational Terry Campese out for the rest of the season, Maurice Blair has moved from the back row to the halves.

Poching feels that Blair is combining well with Albert Kelly.

“Maurice has been a revelation coming into the stand-off role and his combination with Albey has really clicked into place,” he added.

“They’re really enjoying playing with each other and the more games that he plays there, the more Bobby is really stepping up to the mark.

“He asks some different questions to what Campo does. He’s got a bit more of a running game and his kicking game has been tremendous for us, so that’s a partnership that’s really flourishing.