Wakefield Wildcats moved six points clear of the relegation zone with a convincing 30-15 victory over Hull KR at Belle Vue, avenging their opening-day defeat. The Wildcats trailed 9-2 at half-time but turned the match around after Rovers forward Makali Aizue was sent off for a wild tackle on Paul White.
Three tries in the first 10 minutes of the second half, from Ben Jeffries, Matt Blaymire and Paul White, swung the game in Wakefield's favour. Ian Hardman kept Hull KR in touch, but late tries from Blaymire and Adam Watene sealed the win for the hosts.
Wildcats coach John Kear admitted relief after the match, saying: 'It was a big win for us. I thought we played really well in the second half. We invited Hull KR into the game and to win the game in the first half would have been a travesty. But at half-time we addressed some issues and the players played with more composure.'
Rovers coach Justin Morgan refused to blame Aizue's dismissal for the defeat, stating: 'It's difficult when you've got 12 men, but no issues from me. It made it harder for us, but I think with 12 men we still could have won the game. But you've got to give Wakefield some credit. They rallied and deserved the win.'
In another match, Hull FC needed a late drop goal from Richard Horne to secure a 9-9 draw with Huddersfield Giants at the KC Stadium. Chris Thorman scored all of Huddersfield's points, including a drop goal five minutes from time that looked set to win the game. Giants coach Jon Sharp was left angry after his side was denied a last-minute penalty, claiming Motu Tony's knock-on was collected by an offside Sid Domic.
