Hull KR talking points: Missed chance, desire for each other and standard is set

Hull KR produced a spirited performance on Sunday afternoon as the Robins were narrowly defeated 26-18 at the Totally Wicked Stadium by Super League champions St Helens. A brace from Lachlan Coote and a try from Ryan Hall wasn't enough as St Helens extended their lead at the top of the Super League table. Still, the truth is the champions were rattled for most of the game, and Rovers will come away from the contest thinking about what could have been.

Here are the three main talking points from Hull KR's defeat yesterday afternoon.

Most Super League teams would come away with an eight-point loss to St Helens happy, but it's safe to say that as good as Hull KR were, they did blow some golden opportunities that could have swayed the game in favour of the visitors. Rugby is a funny old game, and you never know what the result would have been if the Robins did take their chances or Matt Parcell's line ball to Jez Litten wasn't deemed forward. Still, Tony Smith admitted during his post-match interview that although his side will come away from the home of the champions knowing they took them all the way, they still were sloppy in some aspects of the contest.

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After four sloppy defeats on the bounce, the past two weeks have seen Hull KR return to their usual self. Passionate, confident and full of desire. They were put under the cosh several times on Sunday afternoon and weathered the Saints' storm throughout. Rovers' attitude in defence was outstanding, and their willingness to work for each other under pressure deserves plenty of plaudits. Although they didn't leave with the two points, they will take an abundance of confidence