Harlequins coach Brian McDermott insisted it was a squad mentality which was driving the London club to new heights after his side brushed aside Hull KR.

Quins moved back into the play-off places after a hard-fought 35-16 win at the Stoop which saw the hosts cross for six tries.

And with his squad still stretched by injury, McDermott hailed the battling qualities of his side.

"We are really trying a different ethos this year and if that means errors then let us get ready to defend," he said.

"We know we are going to get injuries but that is why we put a squad together at the start of the campaign.

"There is a real winning attitude among the boys and that was really evident today.

"Yes there are players waiting to come back but the guys who are playing at the moment will get the shirt if they keep playing like that."

McDermott was especially delighted with his team's attacking prowess with Quins crossing for three tries in each half.

"We are playing a lot of football and ended up scoring some really attractive tries," he added.

"We had to run hard and run strong and we really tested their line."

Harlequins appeared to have the game sewn up by the break as tries from Jon Wells, Rob Purdham and Matt Gafa gave the hosts an 18-0 lead at the interval.

In a thrilling second half Hull KR struck back with two tries from Ben Cockayne and a score from Kirk Netherton.

But with the home fans getting anxious Gafa and then two for Rikki Sheriffe sealed victory for the hosts.

Hull KR coach Justin Morgan had few complaints with the result.

"We were out-enthused today by a very, very good side," he said.

"They have a great work ethic and we didn't match that.

"We are playing down on confidence at the moment but we are trying to get it right.

"We need to get our attitude right as a team. If we get our minds right and in the contest then we will get our bodies in the contest."

More news from SportingLife.com