Tony Smith reserved special praise for Sam Wood after the utility man scored two tries in an outstanding performance to help Hull KR to a 26-10 victory over Castleford Tigers.

Wood was in the spotlight after a nightmare Super League debut for the Robins in round one.

But he bounced back against old club Huddersfield Giants last week and made some crucial contributions at Craven Park on Friday night.

Wood touched down either side of half-time to put Rovers in control and then helped lay on a try for Matt Parcell after moving inside to second row.

“We haven’t been feeling sorry for him because we knew he was a good player,” said Smith.

“He played strong for us last week but has had a real strong game for us there tonight and shown some more of what we’ve already seen.

“I’ve been pretty impressed and so have his team-mates with what he’s done so far.

“It is no surprise to us but it’s great that a few more in the public have seen him in our colours doing some of those really good things he’s capable of.

“I’m delighted for Sammy.”

Rovers held a slender 8-6 lead at half-time after failing to put Castleford to the sword when they had Bureta Faraimo and Liam Watts in the sin bin.

But the Robins controlled the second half and were deserved winners to get off the mark in 2022 at the third time of asking.

“That was better,” said Smith.

“We had to work hard for it too. Credit to Cas. You could see both teams really wanted it.

“They’re going to be a tough team, I’m telling you. Don’t write them off by any means.

“I’m pleased we came through some of that arm wrestle part of it. There was a little bit of self-inflicted pain at times.

“It was a bit scrappy that first half but that’s rugby league at this time of the year in these sort of conditions.

“Second half I thought we handled it better and played a little bit more Hull KR like.”

In the build-up, Smith spoke about finding a way to combat the stifling tactics being adopted by teams around the ruck.

He was pleased to see the hard work on the training field pay off.

“We have to work really hard to do that,” said Smith.

“Getting any ruck speed is tough work with the six again rule which encourages teams to slow you down on plays one and two.

“You’ve got to earn the right and do it yourself. I thought we did tonight.

“We were able to generate some ruck speed of our own accord. We had a little bit more variation in some of our play.

“I do think Matty (Parcell) helped us there. He had a really strong game.”