The RFL

Hull Kingston Rovers coach Justin Morgan saluted Ben Cockayne for the two try-saving tackles in the 22-20 win over the Catalans Dragons in Perpignan.

Cockayne's performance typified Rovers’ team spirit and their never-say-die defiance was needed to stave off a stirring second-half fight back by the Dragons.

Catalans Dragons 20-22 Hull Kingston Rovers

Morgan, who began his coaching career in France with Toulouse, relished his return and made sure it was the travelling Rovers supporters who would be celebrating Bastille Day instead of the French.

“I'm relieved to get back to winning ways,” said Morgan, after watching his relegation-threatened side claim only their third win in 16 matches.

“Hopefully this win will give us renewed confidence for the remainder of the season.

“I thought Ben Cockayne was outstanding with his two try-saving tackles and his positional play.

“He was always in the right place to gather Stacey Jones' kicks and I believe Jones is the best kicker in the league. Ben came up with big plays all game long.”

Morgan was delighted with the workrate of his players who hung on with great determination when Catalans scented victory in the second half.

“We are a side of talented individuals who can also play well as a team and I think we saw that they were prepared to work for each other to get the right result,” said Morgan.

“I thought the first 40 minutes were reasonably good and we took our opportunities well, which pleased me.

“I was disappointed with the tries we conceded from kicks but to put 22 points on them in the first half was important.”

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