Hull KR captain Michael Dobson believes Kris Welham has a massive role to play in the play-offs if Rovers are to make it to Old Trafford. Welham returned to action for the first time since May when shoulder surgery threatened to end his season prematurely.
While it didn't prevent Rovers falling to a 34-22 defeat, the 80 minutes under his belt – and a try – will serve Welham well in the play-offs. Dobson is delighted to have his partner back alongside him and their understanding on the left could pay dividends against St Helens on Saturday evening.
"Kris is going to be massive for us," Dobson told the Mail. I've played my entire Rovers career with him as my centre. We have a very good combination and it's good to have him back at the important time of the year.
"He had a very good game against London so it's great to have him back."
With Welham back in the side, morale in the KR camp is on the rise.
They have already beaten Saints three times this season and Dobson knows they can make it four if they play to the best of their ability.
"We'll be confident," said the Aussie play-maker. "We know if we play our best we will be in with a shout.
"They have most of their players back now and we're under no illusion how tough it is going to be at their place.
"They have plenty of experience in the play-offs.
"But we know the style of rugby they play and it's a case of shutting them down.
"Hopefully, we can have a good run at the play-offs.
"If we are to make it to Old Trafford, we are going to have to do it by winning away from home three times.
"That won't be easy, but obviously I want to get as far in the play-offs as I can."
After starting the season with just one win from their first four games, the post season looked beyond them.
But coach Craig Sandercock turned the club's fortunes around when it mattered and the Robins booked their place in the play-offs with two matches to play.
Despite back-to-back defeats to Widnes and London ending the season, Dobson feels making the knock-out format is a good achievement for the Robins.
"Reaching the play-offs is a success," he added.
"We expect to reach them with the players we have in the squad.
"The budget we have and the injuries we have had to deal with this season, it's an achievement being in the play-offs.
"But we'd like to go further than just make up the numbers."
