Sheens Staying Grounded After Derby Triumph

Tim Sheens says Hull KR should enjoy Friday’s dramatic 18-16 win over Hull FC but claims there is room for improvement.

The Black and Whites made the better start to the 233rd Hull derby as tries from Sika Manu and Matty Dawson-Jones put them clear of the Robins after 20 minutes.

However, the home side hit back at Craven Park through scores from Joel Tomkins and Mitch Garbutt to go in at half-time 14-12 ahead.

Bureta Faraimo’s try restored Hull FC’s lead and it looked like the Airlie Birds would hold on for the two points before Jimmy Keinhorst went over in the last play of the game to secure a dramatic win for KR.

It was Hull KR’s first win over their city rivals at home in the last four Super  League meetings and Sheens admits it was a great way to start the 2019 season.

However, the Australian coach says the team can’t get too carried away with their derby triumph, claiming there is plenty of work to do if they are to secure a play-off place this term.

“You don’t expect that with two minutes to go, being at your own end and really struggling, so to get down the other end without a penalty and come up with the right play was a tremendous effort,” Sheens told BBC Radio Humberside.

“I was just about to replace Jimmy (Keinhorst) with Kane Linnett. He was struggling towards the back end because he hadn’t played a full game for quite a while but I thought he was good.

“We’ll enjoy the euphoria of the moment but you can’t expect to say that’s going to lead us to the top five, although it’s better than starting with a loss.”