CRAIG Sandercock says he can't praise his Hull KR players enough after ending another difficult week by breaking into Super League's top-six last night with a win at St Helens.
Heading into the game knowing their captain Michael Dobson is to leave at the end of the season – and with confirmation of Mickey Paea's switch to Hull FC – Rovers also withstood the late loss of two players to sickness to claim a 24-12 win.
Their fourth successive success, which lifted them above Hull FC, quite rightly delighted their coach.
"It was a big win and it gives the boys a belief we can win away from Craven Park like last week," Sandercock told the Mail.
"The win was built around our defence and I thought the boys were outstanding. We conceded way too many penalties for our liking but it was good the boys were able to show that defensive resolve and full credit to all 17.
"It's great to be able to talk about a defensive performance because we are usually talking about our attack, and that gives me the most pleasure."
Sandercock was quick to point to the strength and unity of his playing squad given repeated distractions and setbacks this season.
"We have been under the pump all year in terms of a lot of adversity," he said.
"The financial stability of the club, a lot of comment on whether I was staying or going, a lot of comment on having eight to 10 first graders out every week, but the boys keep turning up.
"I cannot speak highly enough for the boys and they deserve this and I am really pleased for them."
Three first-half tries from Travis Burns, Alex Brown and Greg Eden put Rovers in complete control and while St Helens hit back with two second-half tries, four penalties from Michael Dobson kept the game out of reach of the hosts.
Sad to see his captain leave, Sandercock says Dobson goes with the club's blessing.
"Michael made it clear from early on he wanted to get back to the NRL. Nobody deserves it more than him. He'll do really well," he said.
• Reaction: Match report: St Helens 12 Hull KR 24
