Tony Smith challenges Hull KR to ‘restore lost pride’ against Leeds Rhinos

Just six days after losing to the same opponents 48-18 in a Challenge Cup quarter-final, the Robins must try and bounce back in this Super League encounter.

Having beaten Wigan and pushed St Helens close in recent weeks, it was a let-down for Smith and his improving squad and he expects more this evening.

After a hectic recent schedule, he makes vast changes to the squad and said: “Leeds didn’t have to be spectacular last week.

“Quite a few tries we’d have normally shut down. That’s the great challenge of Super League and Challenge Cup: producing back, to back, to back, to back performances together.

“We came up way short – not because of effort – and we’re going to change a whole lot of players.

“Some fresh faces and fresh legs, with players getting some opportunities, hopefully we’ll find some more energy. They deserve that chance. We were a bit flat last week; it’s the right time to make some changes.”

Teenage back Will Tate, 18, will debut while former Toronto Wolfpack winger Nick Rawsthorne could make his first Super League appearance for KR.

Bradford Bulls loanee Joe Keyes gets a rare chance and Kyle Trout comes in for his 200th career appearance.

“The previous few weeks we’d been building our reputation and undoubtedly we took a hit,” added Smith.

“We’ve talked about that and would like to restore some of that pride in our our jersey, team and performance. There’ll be one or two boys who’ve not played in six months and are now getting their first run-out.”

Smith admitted: “I can’t expect them to be at the very top of their form but, regardless of what happened last week, there’s some young men here who deserve a chance.

“We want to give them some experience, too, and see if they can force their way in for the remaining games of this season.”

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James Mitchinson