Coach Morgan praises Hull KR’s composure in defence

The absorbing 24-22 triumph yesterday, with two-try stand-off Blake Green again in stellar form, sees confidence rise further as they bid to gatecrash the Super League play-offs.

Ninth-placed Rovers have not been in the top eight since the infamous Willie Mason’s debut against Crusaders back in March.

But now, having won six of their last seven Super League games, they know they will secure a play-off spot – perhaps even as high as seventh – if they can win their remaining games in Perpignan and at home to Castleford Tigers.

“Nothing has changed,” said Morgan, whose side remain a point behind Hull FC and two off Castleford.

“But we’re confident of what will happen if we win our final two games.

“This was a massive one for us to keep ourselves very much in the hunt.

“We’ve won some big matches over the last couple of months and we’re starting to re-believe in our abilities.”

Rovers showed remarkable composure to defend for long periods towards the end of a compelling match, defending a slender lead against one of the most dangerous sides in the competition.

“We didn’t allow Saints that normal period they get when they have 10 or 12 minutes and score bang, bang, bang,” said Morgan. “We kept James Roby quiet for the majority of the game and they did throw plenty at us with people like Leon Pryce and Jonny Lomax, but we didn’t give them much rope at all.

“We showed great determination today. Physically we looked strong and I have got to give credit to the pack which came up with some real strong carries.

“We still made a number of unforced errors but on the back of those we showed great spirit to hold out against a class side.

“It’s a huge win for us and something the players should be very proud of.”

St Helens coach Royce Simmons, who saw his side knock Rovers out of the Challenge Cup only last month with a comfortable 54-6 rout, admitted: “They were too good for us.

“They were too determined, they kicked better than us, controlled the ball better and were more hungry than us.

“I think in the back of our minds we knew we’d beaten them twice this year and that two other sides chasing us both got beaten at the weekend.

“I thought we’d offer a bit more in the second half but they played some good footy and are starting to get some momentum going.”

Harlequins have signed Australian forwards Shane Rodney and Antonio Kaufusi on three-year deals.

Second row Rodney, 28, has joined from Manly Sea Eagles and played 125 games in the National Rugby League. Australia international prop Kaufusi, 26, has been signed from Newcastle Knights.