Regular Season
Played: 23 Won: 6 Draw: 2 Lost: 15 For: 486 Against: 610 Deducted: 0 Points: 14
League Position
After the regular season: 11th
After the Super 8s Qualifiers: 4th (Relegated after Million Pound Game)
Player of the Year
Maurice Blair
Rovers Stand Off Maurice Blair was named Player of the Year after offering the fans a glimmer of the talent they possess in a season where positive performances were few and far between. Blair ran in 7 tries and assisted a further 7 in his 2016 campaign. Blair has opted to stay with Hull KR for the 2017 season, a decision which will have many fans relishing in optimism for what the 32-year old has to offer next season.
Season Summary
It was a season that supporters of Hull KR were probably not expecting when the campaign kicked off in February. After a nine-year term in Super League, this would be the season which saw the Robins relegated from the top flight in the Million Pound Game. After a good spell saw them reach the 2015 Challenge Cup Final, Hull KR were knocked out of the Challenge Cup in the early stages in 2016 by Oldham Roughyeds. It was to set the tone for the majority of the year, with Rovers only managing a mere 6 wins from 23 attempts in the regular season, despite some impressive wins, including a 30-10 win over locals Leeds Rhinos back in April. They would meet Salford Red Devils in the Super 8s Qualifiers Million Pound Game, a fixture which would see one Super League team definitely relegated. It was a game to forget for Hull KR, who looked to be well on their way to a win and survival in Super League; 18-10 to the good with two minutes to go. However, Salford staged a historic comeback to draw the scores level at 18-18 at the sound of the full-time hooter, taking the prestigious game to a golden point situation. It was heartbreak for the red and whites though, as Gareth O’Brien slotted over a drop-goal for Salford in one of the most dramatic games in modern Rugby League history.
Talking Points
A cat has nine lives
And it seems for Hull KR, they do too. After a 9-year run in Super League, it has all come to an end for the team on the East side of Hull. It has been a great period of learning for the robins, they have never made it to a Grand Final but a moment of great history came for them in 2015 as they competed in style to make it to a Challenge Cup final.
Despite their achievements over the years, they now face a spell in the Championship, where they will hope to use their top flight experience to their advantage in their bid to be promoted back.
Bitter sweet relations
Albert Kelly was a big name for Rovers, a thorn in the side for many opponents and a force to be reckoned with. The Australian was a real asset for this Hull team, earning him the title of player of the year in 2015, though his individual skills could not help in avoiding relegation this year. He was a player once adored by the Hull KR fans, an individual who really added a spark to the side. However, the feelings have turned sour as Kelly has made the switch to West Hull to play with the Airlie Birds, Hull FC.
2017 Ins and Outs
IN
Nick Scruton (Wakefield Trinity)
Danny Addy (Bradford Bulls)
Mitch Clark (Bradford Bulls)
Jamie Ellis (Huddersfield Giants)
Andrew Heffernan (Penrith Panthers)
Jordan Abdull (Hull FC)
Jake Butler-Fleming (Wentworthville Magpies)
Adam Quinlan (St George Illawara)
OUT
Steven Holker (Released)
James Green (Leigh Centurions)
Adam Walker (St Helens)
Iain Thornley (Catalans Dragons)
Albert Kelly (Hull FC)
Mitch Allgood (Wakefield Trinity)
John Boudebza (FC Lezignan)
Kevin Larroyer (Released)
Josh Mantellato (Released)
