Former NRL star sparks the late game surge.
Hull Kingston Rovers coach Craig Sandercock insist he never doubted Travis Burns would come through for him as the ex-Penrith Panther earned his side a share of the spoils in a thrilling draw at Huddersfield on Sunday.
The Giants had a 12-point advantage with just three minutes left but after Burns had converted a Josh Hodgson try, the Australian held his nerve once more after the full-time claxon had sounded to level matters with the last kick of the game once Omari Caro had touched down.
It meant the clash ended 24-24 and after seeing his side trail 24-6 at one point, Sandercock was keen to highlight his entire squad’s effort for bouncing back, even if he did reserve special praise for Burns and his nerves of steel.
“Travis is a very confident character,” said former Newcastle Knights assistant coach Sandercock. “He loves that kind of stuff.
“I was glad he was taking the kick and not me.
“The second half was very pleasing. I don’t think any other team will come here and get a point after trailing 24-6.
“I was very disappointed with our first half but I have to commend the players for their second half. It shows there is a bit of self-belief there.
“We showed some good desperation and we had some good luck go our way for a change.”
Meanwhile, Salford head coach Brian Noble has fired a warning shot to Kiwi Rangi Chase, admitting that his stand-in Theo Fages has given him food for thought after helping see off London Broncos on Friday.
With Chase, who was with St George Illawarra Dragons before moving to play in the Super League in 2009, out injured Noble turned to Fages for the trip to London.
And the French teenager was more than able replacement, grabbing two tries in an all-round impressive performance as the Red Devils made it two wins from two with a 44-18 victory.
“It is a tough ask for any player to step in for Rangi Chase and Theo did really well,” Noble said.
“He showed the value that he has to us. He has not had much game time and I was really pleased with what he did for us today.
“Overall I thought it was a pretty good day. We were a bit scrappy in the first half and we had to defend well as London were very enthusiastic.
“But we showed our attacking prowess and I’m satisfied where we are at, at this stage of the season.”
Elsewhere, Warrington Wolves might still be waiting for their first win of the season by head coach Tony Smith is adamant his team are heading in the right direction.
Friday night saw Warrington fall 18-12 to Leeds, but after opening their season with a 38-8 thumping at the hands of St Helens, Smith can at least see light at the end of the tunnel.
“We were a lot better and I’m pleased about that,” the Australian said. “There were lot of areas that we worked on.
“Our goal-line defence was tested a fair bit in the first half and I thought it was terrific. Leeds’ defence in the second half probably ended up wining the game for them.”
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