JUST over a month ago, Rovers looked certain to be involved in the end-of-season play-offs.
Now, with three games left to play, their ambition must be to secure their destiny ASAP – and try to chase down Hull FC.
Sitting four points clear of ninth-placed Bradford, Rovers could effectively make the play-offs without winning another game. But that won't be how coach Craig Sandercock will want to end the regular season.
Although one win should be enough, he will be targeting three wins and a bit of much-needed momentum.
Whilst Bradford have to win all three of their remaining matches to overtake the Robins, and hope Rovers lose all theirs, Rovers need to set themselves a play-off goal.
Of the four sides contesting the final two top-eight places, Hull FC are showing the greater form with three straight victories in all competitions.
Bradford are next with two wins from their last three, while Rovers and rank outsiders Wakefield have lost their last three.
Okay, so KR have even more injuries to contend with after Greg Eden and Rhys Lovegrove became the latest to be sidelined, but finding that all-important victory is a must.
Securing it at Headingley on Friday night against the defending champions Leeds, who are looking to make it three Super League titles in a row, looks a difficult prospect.
Barring a disaster, the Rhinos have secured their place in the top four and have second place in their sights.
But that doesn't mean Rovers should not be looking in front of them as the season draws to a close.
Propelled into the top eight after a run of five straight wins, chasing down Hull FC is not impossible – despite suffering a 38-20 derby loss on Sunday.
Both sides have 24 points from 24 games, but on paper Rovers have the easier run-in, with Widnes and London to come after their trip to Leeds.
After Friday's clash against Widnes, Hull close the campaign with games against Wigan and St Helens, with the small matter of the Challenge Cup final on August 24.
History suggests that can affect league form. Last season, both Leeds and Warrington lost their league games prior to the Wembley showdown. Warrington lost 62-18 at London, while Leeds were beaten 38-34 at Catalan.
Hull take on second-from-bottom Salford on Friday night at the KC Stadium and the players will be keen not to pick up any injury that might rule them out of the final.
Without the distraction of Wembley, this would be a home banker. Hull should still win, but could one eye stray towards the capital?
If Hull do win the cup, there is also a very good chance they could suffer a cup hangover the following week when they take on fellow finalists Wigan (again).
From Rovers' point of view, three wins from three could be enough to secure a home game in the play-offs, which would help their chances of progressing to the second week of matches.
And they will certainly fancy their chances against Widnes and London, having already racked up impressive wins over them this season, beating the Vikings 44-18 at MS3 Craven Park and returning 42-22 winners from their trip to the capital.
So, rather than dwell on a derby defeat, KR need to target extending their season and maybe, just maybe, look to finish higher than their arch rivals.
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