TOMMY MAKINSON admits it was strange that Catalans Dragons only received a single penalty in their Challenge Cup semi-final in York but paid credit to Hull KR for their victory.
The Robins downed the Dragons 36-12 at the LNER Community Stadium to book their place in the Cup final at Wembley.
Catalans boss Steve McNamara shared his anger with the officials after the match with the statistic that his team was awarded just one penalty during the entire 80 minutes and not a single six-again.
Makinson agreed it was odd: “Yeah, it’s pretty strange isn’t it?
“When you’re in the flow of the game you don’t notice it too much, but it’s obviously strange. But I take nothing away from them, they’re a good side.
“You play what’s in front of you, and ultimately they were the better side, they came away with the victory and all the best to them.”
Hull KR started strongly and raced to a 10-0 lead thanks to two James Batchelor tries.
The Dragons went in front after Reimis Smith and Luke Keary scored, but the Robins snatched the lead back right before half-time thanks to Mikey Lewis.
Hull KR dominated the second half with Jack Broadbent crossing twice and Joe Burgess adding a late effort to seal the 24-point victory.
“In the first half our start wasn’t great but we got ourselves back into it,” Makinson said.
“In the second half we just didn’t have a fair share of the ball and they got on top of us.
“That’s what they do – they’re a good side and they got on top and they made us pay. Full credit to them.”
Makinson is in his first season with Catalans after a long and distinguished career with St Helens.
The former England international has crossed for three tries in eight Super League appearances for the Dragons this year.
Makinson says he is loving his time in France: “It’s a great place, with passionate people who will be really disappointed obviously that we’ve not got to Wembley.
“They’re very passionate and I’m really embracing myself in it and I want to do everything I can for French Rugby League.”
