Hull Kingston Rovers' Australian coach Justin Morgan has praised playmaker Paul Cooke after the five-eighth guided his team to a 24-18 derby win over Hull on Saturday.

Cooke, a controversial figure on Humberside, having joined Rovers from Hull in 2007, scored two tries and created another in the English Super League match.

"I thought he was outstanding," Morgan said of the 28-year-old.

"I thought he really stuck his hand up today and had a real dig. I thought he was great and dare I say most probably his best game of the season for us.

"He was prepared to carry the ball to the line and I'm going to try and get him to play like that for the rest of the year."

Cooke had been doubtful for Saturday's match because of a hamstring injury but Morgan said: "He made a decision in his mind early in the week (about his fitness) and I left it at his doorstep to make the call on it. I don't think there were any problems with it."

Another Australian coach celebrating a win on Saturday was Mick Potter, whose St Helens side won 44-24 away to London club Harlequins.

He too singled out a senior player in Keiron Cunningham after the Saints scored eight tries.

"I thought Keiron turned in another really good display today," he said.

"But then again I cannot remember a time since I came here that he has produced anything other than a quality performance."

In the day's other match, Bradford defeated Celtic Crusaders 34-12.

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