AFTER a bit of a trouncing in France it was back for some home comforts.

An easy game to boost the confidence was far from forthcoming though, instead a closely-fought entertaining encounter ensued.

Versatility would appear to be something high on the agenda of player development, with many players capable of filling more than one role, this allow plenty of options for Tony Smith when selecting his match day 17 and who plays where.

Personally I think this line up allowed several players to fill roles that suit them best. Ratchford is first and foremost an all-round rugby league player, but I do think full back is the position that gets the best out of those skills and the one where his creativity can help the team the most.

Russell reminds me of Jason Robinson with his running style and energy and the Wigan legend made his name on the wing.

Currie looks to have more than enough class and speed to play at centre and I think Westwood’s strong running and aggression in defence suit the all action role that Wire tend to ask of a loose forward.

From the start it never looked likely that Hull KR were going to be blown away, they looked better than a team that would end the day at the bottom of Super League.

In fact they opened the scoring with a well worked try that exposed some frailties in the right side of Wire’s defence in this game, around 20 minutes or so into the game.

That lead didn’t last too long, three Wire tries in less than 10 minutes created a 14-6 lead.

Ratchford created the first two, a brilliant long pass put Russell in enough space to jink over, then an equality effective short pass and an expert running line from Monaghan created the second.

Philbin looked like he belonged in Super League, his footwork when running with the ball was particularly top class and it was he who wriggled over for the third try.

Just when thoughts of a comfortable victory were beginning to form they were put on hold by another converted try that meant the half time lead was only 14-12.

Again Hull KR started the half slightly better than Warrington, which again lead them to scoring the first try of the half and gaining the lead.

Exactly like in the first half though Wire responded excellently to going behind, and excellent move down the impressive newly formed left side of Philbin, Currie and Russell, resulted in Wheeler’s good support play finishing off the move that put the hosts back in front.

A few minutes later Russell used his footwork and strength to find his way over for his second try and the eight-point lead was re-established.

To their credit Hull KR stuck to their task and scored again to get back within two points. A nervy finished was avoided by Wire’s sixth try, the fifth from down the left, this time it was Currie who raced away to finish it off, showing that speed that befits someone playing at centre in Super League.

There’s been a lot of talk recently about what Wire are missing, particularly at half back.

Hopefully the team themselves are focusing on what and who they have, rather than who they haven’t.

No team has ever won a Grand Final because of the players they don’t have.