Burgess hails Wire’s strong performance
WARRINGTON coach Sam Burgess hailed a strong all-round team performance after his side held off a Hull KR fightback to claim top spot in Super League.
The Wolves raced into an 18-0 lead with a strong attacking start in Thursday’s encounter at the Halliwell Jones Stadium before showing their defensive resolve to hang on for a 20-8 triumph.
Burgess said: “It was a good game to watch. We scored some nice tries and I thought we asked a lot of questions.
“But KR are a great side, they made it difficult in the second half. They threw a lot at us but I thought we were defensively sound. I was proud of our defensive effort.
“The fans might not have enjoyed that as much but, as a coach, it doesn’t get much better.” Two-try Toby King delivered a regal display.
The classy England centre marked his 150th Wolves game in style.
His double helped Burgess’ side storm into a 18-0 lead before he helped stave off a second-half Rovers onslaught.
Both sides hold hopes of claiming a maiden Super League title this year and each knew victory here would put them into first, Rovers for the first time in the summer era.
King, 27, led the way and Burgess, whose side face Huddersfield in the Challenge Cup semifinals next Sunday, joked: “He was alright. He could have scored another. He’s consistent every game.
“He doesn’t miss much and he loves the club and his team-mates. He’s a great player.
“I joke around him a bit but I do love Kingy. He’s a great bloke, a good character in the group and I like him socially and professionally. He’s great to work with. I was happy for him. We were all in Kingy’s world first half! It was nice.”
Rovers rallied with tries from Jack Broadbent and Mikey Lewis but the comeback fell short as the hosts dug in.