Hull KR coach Craig Sandercock insists his side will be ready are raring to go in Saturday's elimination play-off decider at St Helens. Rovers ended their regular season with back-to-back losses, having suffered a 34-22 defeat to London at MS3 Craven Park yesterday, after opting to rest several regulars.
Skipper Michael Dobson one of six who were looking on from the stands as the Aussie coach wrapped his key men up in cotton wool ahead of their do-or-die Saints clash. But with the fit-again Kris Welham returning from a four-month injury absence against the Broncos, the Robins are in good shape for the knock-out competition.
Asked if he was ready for the play-offs, Sandercock said: "We can't wait. You have to be in it to win it and it's a two-horse race.
"We're not fully ready yet, but we will be come Saturday night. You never know what can happen.
"I've been involved with teams that have lost the last two games and went on to win the competition. It's a new competition and everything is up for grabs. I'm not concerned at all by losing our last two games."
In reality, Rovers should have beaten the Broncos as tries from Josh Guzdek, on his Super League debut, Craig Hall and Omari Caro gave them a 16-0 lead after 23 minutes to control the game. But London came back with 22 unanswered points in 24 minutes to steal the win, with Sandercock admitting a couple of his interchanges altered the match's momentum.
"It was a bit of an up and down game," he said. "At 16-0, we were in total control. But we lost our way when Evarn Tuimavave and Jason Netherton went off.
"Our completion rate went out the window. To London's credit, they got back into the game and deserved to win."
Despite the defeat, Sandercock was delighted to see vice captain Welham back in try-scoring action. Welham hadn't featured since May because of shoulder surgery, so his return provides a timely boost for the Robins.
Sandercock said: "I said to our conditioners Paul Hatton and Billy Mallinson that I was really pleased with the work they have done to get Kris fit. I thought he looked sharp. He got through the game and it's good to have him back."
Reflecting on Guzdek's try-scoring Super League debut, he added: "Josh went okay for us and scored a nice little try with his first touch. Physically, he has a bit of work to do if he wants to progress his career. But he wants to do that and he did well for us. He is one that could push through in the future."
