Hull KR 18-32 St Helens: Welsby scores twice in absence of suspended Makinson

James Gordon

Jack Welsby (22) of St Helens goes over for a try

Champions St Helens kept within reach of league leaders Wigan with a hard-fought 32-18 win over struggling Hull KR.

Tries from Alex Walmsley and Jack Welsby put Saints ahead, but Adam Quinlan and Ethan Ryan touched down within two minutes of each other as the Robins pulled it back to 12-12 at half-time thanks to a Jamie Ellis penalty.

Adam Quinlan (1) of Hull KR goes over for a try

Kevin Naiqama and Aaron Smith restored the Saints’ lead and give them a bit of breathing space before Welsby – in the side for the suspended Tommy Makinson – added his second.

Aaron Smith (19) of St Helens goes over for a try

Although Matt Parcell scored a late consolation, Hull KR’s immediate concern was that of full-back Adam Quinlan, who went straight to hospital with a suspected broken wrist, while Ryan Brierley also received lengthy treatment on an ankle injury.

Adam Quinlan (1) of Hull KR hurst’s his left wrist and has to leave the field

Hull KR: Quinlan, Kenny-Dowall, Linnett, Minkin, Parcell, Hauraki, Lawler, Ryan, Gee, Storton, Ellis, Brierley, Peteru. Subs: Mulhern, Hadley, Murray, Maher.

St Helens: Coote, Naiqama, Grace, Lomax, Fages, Walmsley, Roby, Taia, Lees, Bentley, Costello, Welsby, Graham. Subs: Peyroux, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Amor, Smith.

Super League Hull KR