Warrington Wolves 40 Hull KR 10 - Robins show their attacking intent

Ultimately, they suffered a hefty defeat in their first game back since lockdown, star-studded Warrington Wolves eventually easing away at Emerald Headingley.

However, with the threat of relegation now removed following bottom-placed Toronto Wolfpack’s failure to complete their fixtures, it was evident that lowly Rovers were happy to be adventurous with the ball.

They created a raft of opportunities, showing real enterprise without ever truly capitalising, often lacking precision at the end.

Asked if fans could expect more of such free-flowing fare for the rest of the campaign, Smith said: “Yes. Hopefully without the basic errors.

“We’re talking about not scoring the try because of the final pass and I’ve not a problem with that.

“But the stuff that hurt us was those first-tackle errors or just basic drops. They really cost us and put pressure on us but, in terms of style, I’m hoping all teams play a bit more rugby now.

“And I have been encouraged by what I’ve seen so far since the restart of the season.

“Teams will have the attitude of trying to go and win rather than trying not to lose. That makes better rugby league in my opinion rather than that conservative stuff we’ve been dishing up for the last five years.

“It’s great to be back playing rugby league and I’m encouraged by some of what we produced today.

“We far from nailed it but I thought we got off to a great start and were probably a bit unlucky to be behind at half-time.”

Super League’s top tryscorer Ben Crooks scored after just 57 seconds following KR’s short kick-off.

They also saw Will Dagger have an effort ruled out and Mitch Garbutt was only denied a try on the interval hooter following a remarkable tackle from Stefan Ratchford.

The Robins – who gave former Leeds Rhinos prop Nathaniel Peteru a debut – only trailed 12-4 at that point in a first half that saw both Anthony Gelling and Shaun Kenny-Dowall sin-binned for separate incidents.

But their continued failure to complete sets eventually saw Warrington take firm control, Tom Lineham (2), Sitaleki Akauola, Gelling, Josh Charnley, Gareth Widdop and Ratchford all finishing with tries.

KR – who are now not in action until facing St Helens on August 30 – had to make do with a late consolation for Adam Quinlan, the Australian full-back who was by far their most dangerous attacker.

Warrington: Ratchford; Lineham, Gelling, King, Charnley; Austin, Widdop; Hill, D Clark, Cooper, Currie, Hughes, J Clark. Substitutes: Philbin, Akauola, Walker, Ashton.

Hull KR: Quinlan; Crooks, Kenny-Dowall, Linnett, Dagger; Ellis, Brierley; Peteru, Parcell, Lawler, Hauraki, Gee, Hadley. Substitutes: Garbutt, Murray, Trout, Minchella.

Referee: James Child (Dewsbury).

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