Ethan Ryan justifies Tony Smith's Hull KR decision after giving winger the nod over experienced star

Tony Smith heaped praise on winger Ethan Ryan after the Hull KR speedster took his opportunity in style during the win over Hull FC.

Ryan made his first appearance of the season and put in a superb performance, defending superbly to shut down Black and Whites talisman Jake Connor and producing a stunning assist for Lachlan Coote's second try in the 16-4 win over Rovers' arch rivals.

It was an impressive display from Ryan, who was presented his opportunity after catching the eye in reserve grade. Smith revealed that he was left with a decision to make on whether to pick Ryan or Ben Crooks, but was ultimately justified for picking the former Bradford Bulls winger after he produced the goods.

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"He's been close," Smith said. "But he also played well in reserve grade. He needed to get some rugby under his belt and last week both he and Crooksie (Ben Crooks) played. As I said to Crooksie, an experienced winger, it was probably a hard call on him. He played centre in the reserve grade game and played well. I could have easily picked him and I know he would have played well. But Ethan played well, finished well in that game and got involved more.

"Some time ago Ethan was pretty disappointed when I wasn't picking him and sometimes the challenge of not being selected and reacting well are important for young people to learn. He's been great, it helps you take your chance when it comes.

"When it's all easy, and sometimes it is because we don't have big enough squads and people get opportunities without having to earn the right and it puts them in a bad place for their future. Ethan and I have had some of those talks but he's deserved it, he's worked really