After losing in Perpignan on March 21, Hull KR found themselves eight points behind Wigan Warriors in Super League.

The Warriors – still carrying the pain of their Grand Final defeat to Rovers – had won their first five games, while Willie Peters' side were showing the effects of an energy-sapping start to the campaign.

In the space of four rounds, the Robins have not only wiped out the deficit but leapfrogged their faltering rivals following another resounding victory.

After scoring eight tries in the Odsal sunshine, the Robins moved into the play-off places for the first time this year.

Wigan may not be the force of old – particularly in the continued absence of Bevan French – but it remains a significant marker in KR’s season.

The next challenge is to track down the rest of the field, headed by competition leaders Leeds Rhinos.

There were no surprises in Saturday's victory over the heavily depleted Bradford Bulls, Rovers showing their ruthless edge once again against wounded prey.

The Robins raced into a 24-0 lead and were never in danger of slipping up on their way to a fifth straight win in all competitions.

Hull KR enjoyed themselves in the Odsal sunshine. (Photo: John Clifton/SWpix.com)

placeholder image — Hull KR enjoyed themselves in the Odsal sunshine. (Photo: John Clifton/SWpix.com)

The irrepressible Mikey Lewis helped himself to a four-try haul to send a timely message to new England head coach Brian McDermott.

Rovers have scored 218 points during this run of victories, delivering a statement of their own to the rest of Super League.

However, they will know that tougher challenges lie ahead after running into another busted outfit.

Without eight of their starting 13 based on squad numbers, Bradford were on a hiding to nothing in balmy temperatures.

Rhyse Martin goes over for the Robins. (Photo: John Clifton/SWpix.com)

The Bulls had 15 players missing in all and it was damage limitation from the start.

Now in the bottom four, Kurt Haggerty must find a way to keep Bradford's season alive while finding enough bodies on any given weekend.

In the type of weather that made a mockery of complaints about Odsal's microclimate, Rovers were always going to be difficult to contain regardless of personnel.

The defending champions started fast and did not relent in a devastatingly one-sided opening quarter.

Mikey Lewis kicks the ball into the stand after scoring the opening try. (Photo: John Clifton/SWpix.com)

Peters' men had the game won before it had hit the 15-minute mark.

Lewis set his stall out early, scoring twice before some supporters had settled into position.

Elliot Minchella – back on familiar turf – offloaded on the last tackle to put Lewis over for his first and the half-back had a double when he darted in from Tyrone May's drop-off.

Lewis quickly returned the favour with a neat chip that was finished by May with worrying ease from a Bradford point of view.

If anything summed up the home side's early struggles, it was the sight of emergency full-back Ethan Ryan knocking on straight from a 20-metre restart.

Rovers were in no mood to let their former player off the hook, Rhyse Martin forcing his way over out wide to make it four quickfire tries.

Bradford kept scrapping throughout. (Photo: John Clifton/SWpix.com)

But the Robins showed signs of complacency as the half wore on, most notably when Peta Hiku forced a pass that was not on after being chased down by Ryan.

Bradford, to their credit, rediscovered their early-season resilience to give the scoreline a respectable look at half-time.

After denying Jack Broadbent with a last-ditch effort close to their own line, the Bulls found some flow at the other end amid a spell of pressure that brought two tries.

Brandon Douglas powered his way over from close range before loan addition Greg Eden benefited from a wicked bounce to finish Chris Atkin's kick.

The home crowd, who stayed with their team throughout the opening 40 minutes, showed their appreciation at half-time – but the rally proved short-lived.

Whether it was a rocket from Peters or the interval interrupting Bradford's flow, Rovers swiftly removed any doubt about the outcome.

Broadbent pouched May's kick to score before Lewis returned to centre stage, twice racing over from close range in trademark fashion.

Hiku completed the scoring from May's bouncing kick, leaving the Robins in sight of the early pacesetters at the top of Super League.

Bradford Bulls: Ryan, Wynne, Russell, Chamberlain, Eden, Aekins, Atkin, Lewis, Souter, Ormondroyd, Fulton, Peposhi, Hallas. Substitutes: Gardiner, Douglas, Gill, Ruan.

Tries: Douglas (30), Eden (36).

Goals: Atkin 2/2.

Hull KR: Broadbent, Davies, Hiku, Martin, Booth, Lewis, May, Sue, Litten, Amone, Hadley, Batchelor, Minchella. Substitutes: Luckley, Whitbread, Dezaria, Leyland.

Tries: Lewis (3, 8, 48, 66), May (11), Martin (15), Broadbent (43), Hiku (73).

Goals: Martin 8/8.

Referee: Chris Kendall.