Paul Cooke: Hull KR must start well to keep on top of Castleford

HULL KR coach Craig Sandercock will desperately want to gain the two points at home to Castleford this Sunday and pick up some much-needed confidence going into a busy Easter period.

Two steps forward were followed by a giant leap back for Rovers at Bradford last weekend, with a first-half horror show at the Bulls proving very costly.

The opposition were out of sight inside 40 minutes, and it was the same old errors and indiscipline that led to another poor loss.

The players must be physically but, more importantly, mentally stronger.

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Not every error has to cost – but at present, and last week at Bradford, it did.

Rolling your sleeves up, defending strongly and getting back into the game is something KR must do more often.

Last weekend was not helped by injury and illness to the squad, something in hindsight coach Craig Sandercock admits cost his side.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but to me the coach's decision to risk players highlights the lack of depth at KR in 2013. Sandercock obviously feels he cannot afford to leave out even a couple of key players and hope to gain a positive result.

On Sunday, they face 'rocks or diamonds' Castleford, who are either amazingly good or woefully poor.

I'm tipping a Hull KR response on home soil, and a victory by six points in a tight contest.

However, Rovers must be on their guard, as when Castleford click they are a major threat, just ask the current champions Leeds Rhinos.

Affording Castleford early turnovers and cheap field position through ill discipline will see the Tigers grow steadily into the game.

A fast, clinical start could well mean an easier, less stressful evening for all in red and white.

Both teams will be desperate for the win, which makes the encounter that little more intriguing.

Rangi Chase is obviously the man to watch as he is the most unpredictable individual player in the competition.

He has the ability to rip to shreds an already fragile Rovers defence on his own. Pressuring his every step will be vital for Rovers. Giving Chase time and space to execute his show and go, his deft kicks or long looping passes will only spell trouble for the Robins.