Having ensured their Super League survival last year. Hull Kingston Rovers remained tipped to be relegation favourites. Ben Guzdek analyses the journey ahead.
KEY SIGNING
There is no doubt Hull KR have addressed their squad depth having signed 20 players but Shaun Kenny-Dowall has to top this list.
SKD has generated excitement in East Hull and will bring that big game experience to the dressing room, having won an NRL title and represented New Zealand at international level.
ARRIVALS: Ryan Brierley, Jamie Ellis, Dan Murray, Joe Keyes,Rowan Milnes, Elliot Minichella, Matthew Storton, Anesu Mudoti, Matt Parcell, Kyle Trout, Will Maher, Nick Rawsthorne, Greg Minikin, Matty Gee, Harvey Livett, Ethan Ryan, Jordan Abdull, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Dean Hadley, Jez Litten.
KEY DEPARTURE
Supporters didn’t show much empathy towards the clubs decision to sell Craig Hall and Jimmy Keinhorst.
Although both had their flaws, they brought considerable experience to Hull KR’s backline and could’ve made worthy second-choices but it looks as though they will be getting more game-time in the Championship.
DEPARTURES:
Adam Rooks (Bradford Bulls – Loan), Harry Bardle (York City Knights – Trial), Jimmy Keinhorst (York City Knights – Loan), Brad Clavering (Coventry Bears), Will Oakes (Dewsbury Rams – Loan), Elliot Wallis (York City Knights – Loan), Danny Addy (Leigh Centurions).
SQUAD NUMBERS
1. Adam Quinlan, 2. Ben Crooks, 3. Shaun Kenny-Dowall, 4. Kane Linnett, 5. Greg Minikin, 6. –, 7. Jordan Abdull, 8. Robbie Mulhern, 9. Matt Parcell, 10. Mose Masoe, 11. Weller Hauraki, 12. Harvey Livett, 13. Dean Hadley, 14. Mitch Garbutt, 15. George Lawler, 16. Dan Murray, 17. Kyle Trout, 18. Jez Litten, 19. Will Dagger, 20. Mikey Lewis, 21. Owen Harrison, 22. Nick Rawsthorne, 23. Ethan Ryan, 24. Joe Keyes, 25. Matty Gee, 26. Will Maher, 27. Elliot Minchella, 28. Matty Storton, 29. Anesu Mudoti, 30. Jamie Ellis, 31. Ryan Brierley.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Hull KR’s season could be make-or-break depending on how they start the season. If they can get back-to-back wins against Wakefield Trinity and their neighbours Hull FC it will surely boost their confidence.
Although Rovers’ form has been patchy over the course of 2019 and have failed to get two consecutive wins. That could change having spent their pre-season under the leadership of experienced head coach Tony Smith.
Overall I think it could be another tough season for Rovers depending if all these new signings gel together. Their contention for Super League 2021 will depend on it.
PREDICTIONS
Leading Tryscorer: Greg Minikin
Leading Pointscorer: Jordan Abdull
Player of 2020: Adam Quinlan
