As the Super League season draws closer, we look at how Hull Kingston Rovers will go in 2019.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Signings
Kane Linnett (North Queensland Cowboys), Mitch Garbutt (Leeds Rhinos), Jimmy Keinhorst (Leeds Rhinos), Weller Hauraki (Widnes Vikings), Ryan Lannon (Salford Red Devils), Josh Drinkwater (Catalans Dragons).
Departures
Maurice Blair (Released), Justin Carney (Released), Todd Carney (Released), Andrew Heffernan (Released), Chris Clarkson (Released), Brad Clavering (Released), Kieren Moss (Released), Jordan Walne (Released) Liam Salter (York City Knights), Matty Marsh (York City Knights), James Donaldson (Leeds Rhinos), Ben Kavanagh (Halifax), Joe Cator (Leigh Centurions), Danny Tickle (Workington).
First Five
Hull FC (H), Warrington Wolves (A), London Broncos (H), Salford Red Devils (H), Castleford Tigers (A)
WHAT TO EXPECT
The ambition with Hull Kingston Rovers has always been to challenge for the Super League play-offs and win as many games of possible. With the Super 8s being stripped after being active for three years it will give the Red Robins a bit of breathing space and focus on getting as high as they can in the league table.
Head coach Tim Sheens has certainly been busy over the interval as he let go a high quantity of players and replacing them with high quality of signings such as Kane Linnett and Josh Drinkwater, with the four other additions that have come from their respective sides.
Many Rovers supporters believe Linnett will be the stand-out player of the season, it’s hard not to argue against that statement with the back coming from one of the National Rugby League top sides. Supporters were also happy to see Drinkwater in a red and white shirt after having a great season with Catalan Dragons, not to mention winning the Challenge Cup against a strong Warrington Wolves side.
But looking ahead to the season’s opening fixtures only time will tell where Rovers can end up in the table, one of Rovers’ faults is their inconsistency and that makes their season prediction – unpredictable.
Although they will have back-to-back home fixtures against London Broncos and Salford Red Devils, it’s without a doubt important that they can grab those maximum points which will hope to give them some momentum.
FEARLESS PREDICTIONS
Top Tryscorer – Craig Hall
Top Pointscorer – Josh Drinkwater
Club Player of the Year – Kane Linnett
