12. Hull Kingston Rovers
Clear favourites to go down, having well and truly dodged a bullet last time out.
I rate Tony Smith as a coach but this Hull Kingston Rovers squad looks weak in almost every department.
The club appear to have gone for quantity over quality regarding recruitment. The signings of Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Greg Minikin should mean slightly more progress at the start of sets and more try-scoring prowess out-wide along with the powerful Kane Linnett, but I’m not convinced the halfbacks Josh Drinkwater and Daniel McGuire have been adequately replaced and the pack isn’t too intimidating.
Given the lack of quality in the squad the Rovers need to be difficult to play against, with fast, aggressive line-speed and good kick-pressure – which was a theme of Smith’s Warrington side – or 2020 will be a very long season for them and their supporters.
Matt Parcell is a dangerous dummy-half on his day and the Robins will need to keep him fit if they are to pull off big scalps.
Key Player – Adam Quinlan. Hull Kingston Rovers’ best player, Quinlan is a crafty fullback that possesses deceptive strength, good positional play and playmaking skill. He will need to stay fit if the Rovers are to make a shock push for the top five.
