Rovers were clinical when it mattered and defended their own line heroically to secure a win that will go down as one of their greatest of the Super League era.

KR now know that they will be assured of a play-off spot before they run out at Headingley next Friday if Castleford lose to Warrington Wolves on Thursday night.

A Tigers victory would set up a straight shootout between the Robins and Leeds Rhinos.

After turning over in-form Castleford on Saturday night, Rovers will fancy their chances if it comes to that.

Wigan Warriors’ win across the city at Hull FC meant it was officially KR’s final home game of the season and Craven Streat ensured a carnival atmosphere.

There was a poignant moment ahead of kick-off when Mose Masoe was given a hero’s reception on his last appearance at Craven Park before heading home at the end of the year.

Rovers were taking on a Castleford side missing Paul McShane and Gareth O’Brien, as well as Liam Watts and Jake Truemen.

The Robins had injury issues of their own but welcomed back Jordan Abdull, with the influential half-back slotting back in on a potent left edge.

Abdull could take no credit for KR’s opener on seven minutes, though, with Kane Linnett bumping off Derrell Olpherts before going rampaging down the wing and giving Mikey Lewis a clear run to the line.

It was all Rovers in the opening exchanges but soft defence gave Castleford a route into the game.

There looked to be nothing on when Oliver Holmes received the ball 30 out only for the back-rower to brush off an uncharacteristically poor attempt from George King to give Niall Evalds an easy finish.

The Robins had the next chance, a nice offload from Brad Takairangi giving Greg Minikin the space to put Ben Crooks away but the winger went for the corner instead of passing back inside to his centre and ended up in touch.

That proved to be a costly missed opportunity as Olpherts touched down in the corner on the back of a free-flowing move from the Tigers.

KR were given a huge let-off when Jordan Turner threw a wild pass into touch after Castleford had worked another opening on their right and the hosts made the most of the reprieve.

It was that man again Lewis, with the young half-back throwing a dummy before bumping off two attempted tackles to score out wide.

Abdull added the extras to make it 12-12 after half an hour but Castleford went into the break with a one-point lead thanks to Danny Richardson’s drop goal.

The Tigers made the faster start to the second half and found a way through at the end of a concerted period of pressure, Michael Shenton offloading to give Evalds his second.

Rovers were really up against it when Ryan Hall and Brad Takairangi went off in the aftermath but they worked their way back into the contest backed by an increasingly enthusiastic home crowd.

The Robins got back in it in fortuitous fashion, Matt Parcell picking up to touch down after a hint of a knock-on by Shaun Kenny-Dowall from Abdull’s kick to the corner.

KR were back within a point of Castleford and the roof almost came off Craven Park when Abdull booted a quite brilliant 40/20.

Rovers did not let the opportunity slip by with Linnett crashing over off the ruck for his 13th Super League try of the season.

Abdull converted to make it 24-19 and it was advantage KR heading into the final quarter.

Castleford laid siege to the Rovers line as the minutes ticked away but the hosts produced a heroic defensive effort to repel the Tigers.

Will Dagger was superb as the last line of defence, pulling off a vital last-ditch tackle to deny Evalds.

The Robins somehow weathered the storm and turned the tide in the dying minutes.

With Craven Park rocking, KR won a penalty for offside and Abdull put the seal on a memorable victory which brings the Roger Millward Trophy back to east Hull.

Key moment

Rovers got back in it thanks to Parcell’s try but Abdull’s brilliant 40/20 was the game-changer.

Good day – Hull KR

To a man they were magnificent as they moved to the brink of the play-offs.

Bad day – Ryan Hall

The veteran winger was forced off for the first time in his Hull KR career with a shoulder injury and his season is over.

Bigger picture

Rovers will travel to Headingley next Friday knowing a win will secure fifth spot and a play-off eliminator at Wigan.

Hull KR: Will Dagger, Ben Crooks, Greg Minikin, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Ryan Hall, Jordan Abdull, Mikey Lewis, George King, Matt Parcell, Will Maher, Brad Takairangi, Kane Linnett, Matty Storton.

Bench: Albert Vete, Jez Litten, Luis Johnson, Jimmy Keinhorst.

Castleford: Niall Evalds, Derrell Olpherts, Peter Mata’utia, Michael Shenton, James Clare, Jordan Turner, Danny Richardson, George Griffin, Adam Milner, Daniel Smith, Oliver Holmes, Jesse Sene-Lefao, Nathan Massey.

Bench: Alex Foster, Jacques O’Neill, Tyla Hepi, Suaia Matagi.