Sandercock options are increased with Green on way back

The East Yorkshire club, who gained a significant boost yesterday when it emerged stand-off Blake Green is nearing a playing return, have won just once so far this season,

However, they should have three key men back for tomorrow’s visit of winless Widnes Vikings and Sandercock hopes player of the year Green could feature as early as the end of next month after a scan showed the blood clot in the Australian’s calf has disappeared.

Scott Murrell, Lincoln Withers and Jordan Cox all look likely to feature at Craven Park, welcome news on the back of captain Michael Dobson’s comeback from his own injury in last Sunday’s 42-10 loss at Warrington.

And, despite incurring such a heavy defeat, their coach feels the squad is improving.

“I think we’ve been competitive in every single game we’ve played,” said Sandercock, who arrived from Newcastle Knights during the winter.

“Sometimes the scoreboard hasn’t reflected that, especially last week against Warrington.

“But it has put us in a position where we can only build from here and lessons have been learned.

“The boys will take that on board and become better players as a result.”

He continued: “We have been unlucky with injuries in key positions and when you’re missing your playmakers your game is going to suffer.

“It means you have to change your game plan and a few things around to accommodate that but I feel the players who have stepped up and played in those roles have done a good job.”

Only two sides – Widnes and second-bottom London – have conceded more than Rovers’ 122 points in the opening four games.

“Obviously you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out our defence is not quite where I would like it to be,” added Sandercock, whose side squandered a winning position to draw 36-36 with St Helens on their last outing at Craven Park.

“And the other area is lapses in concentration. We’ll continue to work towards improving both.”

There were fears Green could miss the entire season but Sandercock confirmed: “Blake is responding very well to treatment and his blood clot has now resolved.”