HULL KR full-back Greg Eden admits it's nice to prove his critics wrong after his hat-trick helped Rovers to a nail-biting 22-21 win over Catalan.
Eden has been heavily criticised this season, both for his ball-carrying style and a misjudgement at the Etihad Stadium which allowed Hull's Chris Green to score the winning try on Magic Weekend.
But since then his personal game has got better and better, thanks to the support network he has around him and coach Craig Sandercock.
Having played a key role to help the Robins pull off something of a shock in Toulouse, the 22-year-old is riding on the crest of a wave.
"It's awesome to prove my critics wrong," Eden told the Mail.
"It is in my character to bounce back because I don't let things get to me.
"I do what's best for me and continue to work hard, thankfully it's coming out good for me.
"We had a lot to build on despite the derby loss and the decision that went against us.
"Personally, I've been getting better and better, as have the team, and it's great we are getting the wins we deserve."
Without Eden's hat-trick, Rovers wouldn't have beaten the Dragons as he had his best game since signing from Huddersfield.
There has never been any doubt about his ability with ball in hand, but it was his all-round game that was evident against the Dragons, allowing him to register his first senior hat-trick.
However, he did need some persuading from his team-mates to play to the whistle for his first 105-metre try, following confusion in his in-goal area after Michael Dobson failed to gather a kick through.
"I was facing backwards and I tried picking the ball up and it came loose," recalled Eden.
"I didn't really look at the referee and the players told me to carry on running. So I just went for it because I really wanted to score from there.
"It's my first ever hat-trick so I'm delighted about that.
"This game is right up there with the best games of my career.
"As well as playing well myself, the team were great and it lifts us to a better position in the league."
Boasting a record of four wins from their last five matches, Eden believes Rovers do not have much to fear at St Helens on Friday night.
"Saints will be a big game for us because they are in a similar position to us in the table," he said.
"We have a short turnaround which means we'll have to get our heads down this week and concentrate on this game.
"We don't have much to fear with the form we have been showing.
"And there's no reason we can't win."
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