Hull KR: Chris Chester favourite for head coach's job

If Chris Chester is put in permanent charge of Hull KR, he would become only the club’s third head coach since Rovers entered Super League in 2007

Hull KR chairman Neil Hudgell has backed caretaker coach Chris Chester to take the job on a full-time basis.

The 35-year-old guided Rovers to a 40-10 win against Super League leaders St Helens in his first match in charge.

He was elevated from assistant coach to temporary boss for the rest of the season following Craig Sandercock's departure last week.

"I very much see Chris as a head coach and successor to Craig," Hudgell told BBC Radio Humberside.

"We have always seen Chris as someone who could take the reigns.

"Chris is very well thought of at the club and the hope and expectation is that he steps up and we can talk long-term."

However, Hudgell admitted the former Halifax, Wigan and Hull FC back-rower's opportunity had come earlier than he would have liked.

"Things are about timing; sometimes timings don't fit with how you want things to happen," said Hudgell.

"In a completely ideal world, maybe it would have been 12 months down the line.

"Who knows until you give someone a chance? It is the same with the kids coming through the academy - until you put them in a first-team shirt you don't know if they are ready to play."

Chester, who initially joined Hull KR as a player in 2007, was appointed as assistant coach at Craven Park in 2009.

After Rovers moved to within one point of Widnes Vikings in eighth place with victory over Saints, Chester stressed his interest the full-time post.

"I really want this job," he said. "I think I have the respect of the boys; it showed today that they really wanted to play for me.

"We are desperately disappointed about Craig, but I have to take this opportunity with both hands."