HULL KR coach Craig Sandercock has backed full-back Greg Eden to prove his quality against Hull tomorrow after his horror show against Castleford.
Three of Eden's five errors led to Castleford tries in Rovers' 26-22 win at MS3 Craven Park, and brought heavy criticism from most quarters.
Sandercock, who has repeatedly stressed the need to allow young players to learn from their mistakes, will stick by the 22-year-old, despite a worrying knack of making costly errors.
And he has reminded people ahead of tomorrow's derby that the full-back is still developing his game.
"Greg and I have a really good relationship and he knows what I think and how he can play," Sandercock told the Mail.
"He's a young kid and last season was his first full season in Super League.
"He still has a lot to learn, but he's learning every day.
"He's had to take in an awful lot in the off-season and an awful lot in analysing opposition teams.
"There were a couple of key errors against Castleford but I thought he improved in the key performance indicators I give him every week. That's what I base things on.
"He'll be okay for it, don't you worry."
Not surprisingly, the mood in the Rovers camp is high after a third win in four matches ensured they held on to their place in the top eight – and ahead of Hull heading into the derby.
They enter the contest in better form and with more confidence than their bitter rivals, but Sandercock and his team know that will count for nothing when the game kicks off at the KC Stadium tomorrow afternoon.
Sandercock puts their impressive run of results down to having some continuity in his team selection, and having his first choice half-backs playing alongside each other.
"I'm a big believer in continuity," Sandercock said.
"If you can field close to the same side week after week you'd like to think you have half a chance of winning games.
"Having your first choice half-backs available and getting some troops back from injury helps as well, and Travis Burns and Michael Dobson are getting there.
"It will take them a lot longer, because they have only played four games together.
"What is important is that they enjoy playing together.
"The boys have responded to their partnership really well.
"It's still a work in progress but the signs are good."
