Hull KR boss Tony Smith calls on playmakers to ‘step up’ in Lachlan Coote’s absence following disappointing defeat to Huddersfield Giants

Hull KR went down 25-4 to Huddersfield Giants yesterday in what was a very disappointing display from a side who will be waving goodbye to their head coach at the end of the season.

Tony Smith has worked wonders at Craven Park in recent years, turning the Robins from an almost-relegated side to one hunting semi-finals and finals.

But, on Saturday, KR were by far second best with a lack of creativity and a lot of lateral running and Smith was unhappy by the decision-making – or lack of – that ran through his team.

“There were decisions made by some of the boys that they haven’t made this year.” Smith said.

“We made a decision about three years ago to invest in three young British halfbacks and they are still learning their trade.

“Some of the game management, they need to step up and inspire the team and get into those arm wrestles but that’s a decision we made three years ago and we will continue to educate them.”

Smith also professed that his side missed Lachlan Coote’s experience.

“Don’t get me wrong I thought (Will) Dagger was one of our better players today but there’s a difference when you need someone like that.

“You miss an old and steady head like his but we’ve done ok without him before and we need to step up – our young halfbacks need to step up when he’s not there.”

The Rovers head coach also hailed the journey that him and his players have been on in the past few years.

“It’s pretty remarkable really the journey we have been on – it doesn’t happen often in sport, Salford did it a few years ago but these bunch of boys will play in more semi-finals in years to come.

“We would love to see a fairytale ending and maybe some of that can still happen too.”