Hull KR forward Clint Newton has called on the doubters to keep knocking his club's Super League title ambitions because he believes the criticism can fire Rovers to the grand final.

The ex-Newcastle Knights and Melbourne Storm second row has played a key part in Hull KR's rise up the Super League table, helping Justin Morgan's men to fourth behind St Helens, Leeds and Huddersfield.

Rovers underlined their credentials to reach the Old Trafford final with a stunning 26-10 victory over league-leaders Saints at Craven Park last weekend.

And Newton insists a siege mentality around the Yorkshire club will ensure they continue their winning form at Salford City Reds on Friday.

"Certain people in the media and former players were quick to make excuses for Saints last week," he said. "I'm disappointed to hear them but I'm not surprised.

"Commentators can forget how influential they can be and people listen to them whether they are right or wrong.

"But our season is no flash in the pan because you can't stay in the top four as long as we have based on just luck.

"We'll take the comments with a pinch of salt and if anything they will bring us closer together and make us more determined to prove people wrong."

Papua New Guinea international Makali Aizue is expected to return for Morgan's men, while Shaun McRae's Salford will be hoping to build on their 26-22 victory at Harlequins last weekend.

Meanwhile, former Manly wing Scott Donald is tipping Leeds team-mate Ryan Hall to take the rugby league world by storm.

Rookie England wing Hall scored five tries during the Rhinos' record-breaking 76-12 victory over Castleford last weekend.

And Donald, who has won two Super League titles with Leeds since moving from the Sea Eagles in 2006, has backed Hall to continue his rich vein of form against crisis-club Celtic Crusaders.

"He is one of the best up-and-coming wingers in the game," Donald said. "To score five tries is a fantastic achievement and he has been absolutely outstanding for us this season.

"Everyone in the squad was delighted for him and I'm sure he'll get a few more before the end of the season.

"Celtic will be a tough game because they have surprised a few clubs in Wales this year."

John Dixon has a worrying selection headache to contend with after six of the Celtic Crusaders' Australian stars were served with deportation papers this week.

Skipper Jace van Dijk and top try-scorer Tony Duggan are among the banished players, whose visas were found to be invalid, meaning former Brisbane coach Dixon will have to dip into the club's academy for the game against the reigning champions.

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