Fax's Robinson shows patience, takes chance

Robinson, a former Hull KR junior who joined Fax on a permanent deal last autumn, has found opportunities hard to come by in 2016, with his last appearance coming against Widnes in the Challenge Cup at the beginning of May.

But with captain Scott Murrell an injury doubt during the week, boss Richard Marshall opted for the versatile Robinson - who can play half back, hooker or full back - on the bench against the Rams.

And the youngster didn’t disappoint, sharpening his side’s ruck play and claiming a try and an assist ahead of Sunday’s derby date with Bradford at Odsal (3.0).

“Scott was carrying a little injury, so the thinking was that with me on the bench I could go to half or Ben Johnston could go to half and I could go to full back,” said Robinson, who admits his versatility can be a double-edged sword.

“It gives Rich more options, but I’ve got to get past some out and out hookers and out and out half backs.

“Last week though, when he needed cover for two or three positions, it worked in my favour.

“Hopefully, I’ve done enough to keep my place, but then I need to back it up next week at Bradford.

“If I don’t do that, this week will mean nothing and I’ll be back out again.

“I’ve had to be patient, but you’ve got to be when the lads are playing well and picking wins up.

“You can’t really force Rich’s hand when the team are going well.

“It’s part and parcel of having a big squad.

“If I go into training and throw the teddy out, then it puts the lads off training and hurts the team.

“We talked about me going on loan, but we decided it was better for me to play some reserves, keep training and wait for my chance in the first team.”

Fax played strongly against the Rams, dominating the second half as they lifted themselves to fourth on the Championship ladder with five games remaining.

“We couldn’t afford another slip up,” said Robinson.

“We knew we had to come here, get the win and kick on for a big week before Bradford.

“We said at half time that if we gave them a sniff they would get their tails up and it would be a long afternoon; defending, defending, defending.

“But generally we managed things a lot better in the second half and got the result we needed.

“We need to go to Bradford now and win, there are no ifs and buts about it.

“It’s always a big game, a tight game and we’re looking forward to it.”