HULL KR coach Craig Sandercock wants his players to 'step up' and show their qualities in the absence of skipper Michael Dobson tomorrow.
The Robins host Castleford at MS3 Craven Park looking to bounce back from a disappointing 34-12 loss at Bradford, and will hope to record a fourth win of the season.
Whilst Dobson has been named in KR's 19-man squad, it is understood he will not feature because of a hamstring strain suffered last week.
Without his main playmaker, Sandercock admits it will be a tough assignment against the unpredictable Tigers, especially if Dobson's half-back partner Travis Burns (back) is also ruled out.
But he says it is a chance for others to showcase their skills with a strong performance in front of their own fans.
"Instead of relying on Michael Dobson, people need to try and start well themselves, and others will have to step up to the mark," the Robins coach told the Mail.
"We took a little step backwards against Bradford, but in the preceding weeks we had taken giant steps forward.
"It is a case of us getting back to how we played and getting the discipline and approach we took in those games back.
"If we do that, I am reasonably confident we will do okay."
With his side having shown their capabilities with impressive victories over Warrington, London and Widnes, Sandercock knows consistency is the key to climbing the Super League ladder.
"The boys are always honest and always train hard," he said when asked about their reaction this week.
"They are a good bunch of lads and they are trying their best for their team and their club.
"Our problem is getting that consistency in our performance and we need to really concentrate and work hard on that.
"That is why Leeds, Warrington, Wigan and St Helens have been the benchmark for a number of years, because they do it on a consistent basis."
Rovers enter the contest as Super League's top scorers, and Sandercock is hoping that can lay the platform for better results as they work on their defensive solidity.
"Obviously, it is pleasing that we are scoring some points and scoring some nice tries," he said.
"The boys train hard and as a coach it is exceptionally pleasing when you see plays you do in training come off in a game.
"It is very pleasing, and it is great for the boys to do that.
"Now we have just got to make sure on the defensive side that we have a little more application to the task.
"From one to 17, Castleford have a strong squad and they have one of the best players in the world in Rangi Chase.
"The most important thing for us is to get into the grind early and go set for set. Last week we made a couple of errors early and that had us on the back-foot from then on."
