Gutted. I thought the scoreline was a fair reflection of the game, but wondered if we might just nick it at the end. Rovers defended really well and found a way to win, but we can learn a lot from that. Some impressions from the game (not conclusions about players, before anyone jumps on):
Jowitt really is top drawer - potentially international class. Just thinking about a thread on here with @AnotherCasFan, in which they were sure Niall Evalds was a better player than Jowitt. You only have to put them against each other like tonight to see the difference. If Reece Walsh had thrown that ball to Johnstone you'd never hear the end of it. And what did Evalds do on the ball? Where was he during Oli Pratt's try? Jowitt was fantastic start to finish, barring a wayward kick. But he's got enough credit with me to miss a few of those.
Walmsley isn't physically strong enough. He made some great runs in the second half, but if there's ever a body in front of him he gets whacked then dragged backwards. He's a superb finisher and drier weather will suit his game better, but so much of Super League is grunt and 'arm wrestling', and he just physically isn't powerful enough.
What an athlete Oli Pratt is. The kind of player you look forward to watching each week. Caused them problems all night.
Hall did Hall things but was apparently chucking up in the toilets at half time.
Not much to learn about TJ is there. They contained him to making hit ups all night, aside from his try which he took well.
Lino needs Trueman. He defended well tonight and he looked okay on the ball, but his kicking just wasn't good enough.
On that showing, Olly Russell isn't up to it. He looked just like he did at Huddersfield - steady and toothless. Plus a couple of daft moments in the first half - a ball steal and a dead ball kick - that put us under pressure. I haven't written him off after one competitive game, but we need better than that.
McMeeken and Pitts worked their arses off again. Look forward to seeing the stats again, but they're carrying our middle so far.
Doyle was steady. Defended well, passed accurately, didn't make any mistakes, but also never threatened Hull KR, who had two very threatening hookers in their team.
Uele did okay but definitely won't be skittling defenders like he did in the championship. Quick play the balls though.
Storton took some monster carries in the second half.
Honestly barely noticed Croft. Didn't do anything wrong, and I know a lot of fans really love him but for me he's just filling a gap at the moment.
Thought Vagana went okay. Still too slow to retreat and a few gaps opened up around him which fast teams will punish, especially in summer.
Similar for Faatili. He's got plenty of potential but let's be honest, at this level he's not going to replicate what we've seen on his highlights reel.
Harvey Smith looked good out of dummy half, but I'd like to see him use his speed and run more. There were a couple of chances for him to do that but he played it safe and passed to first receiver. I also don't think he won one collision in defence and that worries me.
Overall that didn't feel like our game to lose. We're down on troops and still staying all the way with proven Super League teams, and that's what good teams do. We'll be alright, but we need a rest and a handful of our starting side back fit. After that we'll be grand. More confident next Saturday.
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