Sandercock set to stay in charge of Hull KR

Hull KR coach Craig Sandercock is set to remain in charge of the club for the 2014 season after being offered a new one-year contract.

Sandercock, 42, met with Robins chief executive Mike Smith on Monday evening and was offered the chance to extend his stay at MS3 Craven Park into a third season.

The Australian replaced Justin Morgan in 2011, after spending two years as assistant coach at Newcastle Knights in the NRL.

The news puts to bed rumours of Sandercock’s departure after Rovers’ poor Super League form led to chairman Neil Hudgell publicly stated a decision on his future had yet to be made last month.

Sandercock recieved a wave of support from Hull KR fans and board members alike and his team’s form improved: Rovers comfortably beat Wakefield before narrowly losing to rivals Hull over Magic Weekend. 

Board member Phil Lowe said: “I think he deserves another year to continue the work he has done under very difficult circumstances.

“People have been very hard on Craig, but they don’t see the work he does behind the scenes.

“It’s very hard to blood inexperienced players into the side at the best of times, let alone a time when as many as six to eight players are missing every week.

“We need to give Craig more time to see what he does when he has everyone fit and available to play, as when we have fielded near full strength sides this season we have given a very good account of ourselves, beating St Helens twice and Warrington too.

“I have not seen another coach work as hard as he does. The players respect him a lot and I would hate to think another coach could come in and benefit from the foundations Craig has established in his time here.”

Hull KR take on Bradford Bulls at the weekend as they look to recover from Saturday’s controversial derby defeat.