Rovers making giant strides forward under Sandercock

Sunday’s 40-22 triumph against a side who started the weekend as Super League leaders was only Rovers’ third success under new coach Craig Sandercock.

But Australian scrum-half Dobson - who helped orchestrate a remarkable comeback from 18-6 down – told the Yorkshire Post: “I don’t think we’ve ever been that bad.

“It’s just in certain times we’ve let ourselves down.

“This week, though, we put together a performance for a near full 80 minutes.

“We’ve always shown we can match sides for periods so it was good to finally get a win in this fashion and very pleasing to fight back like we did against a very, very good Huddersfield side.”

Rovers head to bottom-placed Castleford Tigers on Friday hoping to secure consecutive wins for the first time this season – and set themselves up for the always-intriguing Good Friday derby against Hull FC.

Their city rivals have emerged as early contenders having risen to third place with their own 42-28 win over Castleford.

But Dobson maintained: “We’re not thinking about the derby yet. We know we’ve to be at our best against Cas. They haven’t won for a while and so they’re due a victory. They’re a team who can rack up points, as Hull found out.”

Turning rich potential into regular points has been Sandercock’s target since taking over from Justin Morgan at the end of last year.

They remain in 10th spot but if they can add to Castleford’s woe – they have not won since the opening weekend – it will serve as a great lift heading into the hectic Easter programme when they also travel to Salford City Reds, one of those currently barring their path into the play-off places.

Meanwhile, ex-Hull FC forward Epalahame Lauaki has been charged with a Grade C dangerous tackle in Wigan’s loss against Warrington with opponent Ben Westwood also called for striking.

England captain Jamie Peacock has defended his Leeds Rhinos team-mates in the wake of criticism from TV pundit Mike Stephenson of their decision to dye their hair red for charity.

“There are people who have horrendous lives around the world and by having a small bit of embarrassment personally, we can raise funds that might save someone’s life,” he said.

“To anyone who thinks we lost (against St Helens) because we had red or pink hair; you are clueless.

“It had nothing to do with it.”