Hull KR v St Helens: Walker and pack ready to meet fire with fire

Saints’ forwards have been in commanding form this year and Walker said the home team will have to meet fire with fire.

“The have got one of the biggest packs in Super League and I think they are going really well at the moment,” observed Walker.

“Alex Walmsley and Mose Masoe are big lads and they are finding the front foot. We have got to get off our line and be aggressive with them, just like we were when we played Wigan at home. We have to try and dominate them. The team talks about it, we are firing each other up and we have to make sure we get that line speed.

“If we haven’t got it we know we aren’t switched on in the game. That’s the thing that will kick us on.”

Walker also knows Rovers can not afford to go behind early on against a team who have won all their six Super League fixtures so far.

“We haven’t been starting too well,” he conceded. “This week we have to come out with loads of energy and enthusiasm. That’s when we kick-on.”

The showdown with Super League’s most in-form side is an opportunity for Walker to build on his own good start to the campaign.

“I am pretty pleased at the moment,” said Walker of his early-season form. “I am trying to be consistent and I think I’ve been doing that.

“I just want to progress now. I have set myself high standards this year and I want to keep improving.

“I am getting older and I want to take a bigger role.

“We have got a few injuries, as well as Mick Weyman leaving, so I have got to step up now, along with the younger players who are coming in.”

Rovers coach Chris Chester sees tonight’s game as an opportunity to measure his side’s progress.

He said: “It is a good challenge, we’re really looking forward to it. They are the form team in the competition, but we have got some really good form at home this year. We’re looking forward to a tough, physical game.”