It was a crisp but dry night in East Hull as both sides warmed up under the lights at Craven Park. The Robins were certainly brimming with confidence after an excellent 2024 season and with two wins from two in 2025 they fully expected another victory.

In contrast Salford looked very low on confidence last week when they were brushed aside at home to Leeds. A trip up the m62 to Hull can be tricky at the best of times but you got the feeling that Salford needed to start strong to have any chance of living were their opponents.

The Red Devils were immediately on the back foot from their first tackle defending the Robins. Jayden Nikorima caught Niall Evalds high and was sent to the sin bin. 

The former Salford star fulllback left the field and didn’t return.

Rovers clicked into gear and struck Salford with plenty of blows in the ten minutes they were down to twelve men. Kelepi Tanginoa powered over and on the very next set some lovely ball movement stretched the visitors with Oliver Gildart touching down, 10-0.

Every time Rovers moved the ball gaps appeared in the Salford defence. Tom Davies strolled in after thirteen minutes and Salford looked done.

On the rare occasion Salford were in possession it all seemed rushed with no structure. Errors were a plenty and this just fuelled the Rovers express train which pummelled through the heart of their lacklustre opponents. 

The Robins were without first choice halves Tyrone May and Mikey Lewis. Danny Richardson had slotted in well and he kicked two penalty goals to add to Salford’s woes.

The points dried up in the latter stages of the first half much to Salford’s relief but at 20-0 the game looked done and dusted at half time.

After a torrid time on the motorway many Salford supporters didn’t get into the ground until half time. Spirits were still high in the away end though as Salford’s loyal supporters seemed to take everything in their stride!

Jack Broadbent put the game to bed with a nice try five minutes into the second half. Broadbent was playing at fullback for the injured Evalds and was very impressive.

Salford’s hapless defending saw Jai Whitbread power over for two tries before the hour mark before Tim Lafai was helped off after a head knock.

When a team is as dominant as Rovers were it’s very difficult to stem the tide. Numerous penalties punished Salford for infringements at the play the ball and eventually referee Aaron Moore lost his patience with Chris Hill sent to the sin bin.

Rovers hooker Jez Litten had caused havoc all night. He was quick round the ruck and his accuracy of ball distribution contributed to the seven tries scored. Nine minutes from time he rounded the scoring off with a try of his own.

Salford were completely outplayed by a very efficient Rovers side that had plenty of adversity to deal with themselves during the eighty minutes. Defence is one concern for coach Paul Rowley, the other being the lack of organisation when in possession. Salford look a shadow of the team they have been in recent years and a huge improvement is needed with another away trip to Castleford next Friday. 

Hull Kingston Rovers 42 Salford 0.

Paul Whiteside.

Big thanks to Steve McCormick for the photos.