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Evarn Tuimavave: Play-off target means Hull KR campaign far from over

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OUT of the Challenge Cup and with an acceptance across the game that the Super League title will go to one of the 'big four', Hull KR find their sole focus now on a very clear goal.

Having missed out on a play-off place last season, the Robins are determined to force their way back into the top eight come the end of the 2013 campaign.

With 11 games remaining, Craig Sandercock's men are right in the mix, currently sitting ninth in the league, one point behind St Helens who occupy the last play-off place, and two points behind this weekend's opponents, Bradford Bulls, in seventh.

It is with that in mind that prop Evarn Tuimavave insists none of the importance has been lost to Rovers' campaign,

In fact, he sees Sunday's clash at MS3 Craven Park as huge game for himself and the club, and with little margin for error between now and the end of the season, says a big period lies ahead for the Robins.

"There is so much to play for between now and the end of the season," Tuimavave told the Mail.

"I don't want to be sitting at an airport waiting to go home when the play-offs are taking place.

"The play-offs are why we play the game.

"We need to win our remaining games to keep in touch with the pack, especially after we lost the derby last week.

"We felt that was a good opportunity to pick up two points, but it wasn't to be.

"At the minute, we are one win away from sixth, but a defeat leaves us playing catch-up.

"We cannot afford to lose sight of those teams ahead of us and a win on Sunday against a side close to us in the table would be perfect."

If Rovers are to make the top eight, they are going to need Tuimavave playing at his best.

The 28-year-old returned from a calf injury for last weekend's controversial derby defeat to Hull at the Magic Weekend, and says he is ready to make up for lost time having been sidelined for seven matches.

"The team has come a long way since the start of the season and I want to play my part now," he said.

"My goal for the rest of the season is to remain injury free. The leg felt good after last week's derby and there was no recurrence of the torn calf muscle injury.

"The medical staff did a great job getting me back for the derby.

"I didn't want to miss that game and had it circled ever since I was told it would be a six-week injury.

"It has been frustrating watching the players lose some tight games, but it was great to be back.

"I went better than I thought I would and it was good to get back in the groove.

"It was a pretty big game to come back in to and I want to thank the medical staff for that. It was a great atmosphere last weekend but unfortunately the result went against us."

Tuimavave is hoping for much better luck against the Bulls today, as KR look to avenge a 34-12 loss in West Yorkshire in March.

Tuimavave makes no attempt to play down the importance of the clash with the Bulls, as he is desperate to prevent Francis Cummins' side opening up a four-point gap between the sides.

"This is a very important game for us," he said.

"They are in the top eight and we want to be there.

"We have been improving every week in the last few weeks, though, and we need to continue that against a very good Bradford side.

"Like us, they are a young side, but they have a very big bunch of forwards. They got the better of us earlier in the season and their outside backs are pretty useful too.

"We need to get off to a fast start."

To ensure the Bulls don't get on the charge, Tuimavave has identified discipline as key to KR's hopes.

"We are one of the most penalised sides in the competition and we need to change that," he added.

"It's not doing us any favours.

"We have been making errors at the wrong time too, so our concentration needs to be better."

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Evarn Tuimavave: Play-off target means Hull KR campaign far from over


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