Hull KR coach Tony Smith has remained upbeat despite his team’s 52-10 thrashing at the hands of Leeds.

The Robins were completely outclassed at Headingley, conceding 10 tries in a 42-point rout.

Hull KR won its round one encounter with Wakefield and then were courageous in a derby defeat to Hull FC in round two.

But little went right for the visitors in a horrible night against a fired-up Leeds.

“Leeds were certainly sharper than us tonight, I don’t know if they were red-hot,” Smith said.

“I thought they created some of their own luck, particularly in the first half. Then after that I thought we weren’t good enough in some areas and they certainly took advantage of that.

“I’m not going to kick my boys too much, they were still trying today.

“We’re going to have some flatter days, particularly after some big efforts; we’ve had a couple of really big efforts in the last couple of weeks and done a pretty good job against some formidable opponents.”

Cameron Smith and Harry Newman both grabbed doubles for Leeds, while Luke Gale kicked eight goals.

Greg Minkin and Jordan Abdull managed tries in response.

Smith declined to criticise his side who were missing the likes of Mitch Garbutt, Mose Masoe, Weller Hauraki and Adam Quinlan.

The Robins also lost Jamie Ellis in the warm-up, with Abdull drafted in late to replace him.

“We’re going to have that occasion where it’s just going to flatten out for us,” Smith said.

“That was tonight. We have to make sure we get back up there next week with the same passion but with a bit more smarts.

“We didn’t handle Luke Briscoe tonight, he was physically too good for us.

“Jamie Ellis strained his hamstring in the last minutes of the warm-up.

“Jordan did OK considering the prep and amount of time he had to get ready. But he rolled his ankle [later in the game], so when it rains it pours.”

Hull KR are active in the transfer market to try and beef up their forward pack.

They face undefeated Huddersfield at home next Friday night.