'We're going up a peg or two' - Tony Smith braces Hull KR for tough Catalans Dragons test

Tony Smith is under no illusions about the size of the task facing Hull KR on Friday night, warning his team they will need to go up a level or two against Catalans Dragons.

The Robins are in good spirits after claiming a much-needed win over Salford Red Devils in round five, thanks in the main to their best 40 minutes of the season.

KR's next assignment takes them to Perpignan to face last season's Super League Grand Finalists.

Catalans were second best to St Helens in round one but have since won four straight games in impressive fashion to end talk of an Old Trafford hangover.

"We're going to be tested in a different way this week to what we were last week," said Smith.

"Our opponents have a different attacking prowess. They're going to throw some heavy artillery at us through the middle.

"They're playing well and they're confident. We need to be able to perform and keep some of the standards that we set last weekend.

"We're also going up a peg or two in terms of opposition potential as well and their ability to hurt teams. I'd be silly not to point that out."

The Dragons swatted Wigan Warriors aside last week, ending Matt Peet's perfect record in ruthless fashion.

Smith was impressed with the way Catalans handled the wet conditions at Stade Gilbert Brutus but he is hoping his team stand up to the French side whatever the weather.

"They were professional," he said.

"They played the conditions well and better than Wigan. It was tough for Wigan to throw their best at them but that's the contest. These sorts of conditions are testing for everybody.

"Different teams have different strengths and some weather conditions suit some more than others. You've got to be able to front up to that.

"They certainly did a good job