The Hull Kingston Rovers Thread

[Luke]

First topic message reminder :

The title of the thread says it all.

[Luke]

very disappointed with our lack of ability to break down the opposite defence against Cas we had plenty of ball but no idea of how to break through the line for me . The combination between Burns and Keating will take time but the games don't get any easier with Saints and Warrington up next .

have heard a whisper that we have spoken to Bradford about taking two players off their hands ? you heard anything tiger ?

Agree, once again to much going down the center and one man stuff. We really look short of ideas when we've got the ball, our kicking game is average. Given our side I expected us to be doing more off-loads. Maybe it will get better when the pitches become firmer. But by then we could be needing results to stay up.

No Kenny not heard anything, but to be honest given how top heavy our squad is, not sure we need anymore players. We have enough problems given players game time as it is, and with them gelling adding 2 more into the mix won't improve anything, and I'm not sure weather whoever we are after will be an improvement on what we've already got. And surely Sandercock didn't want them in the first place, otherwise he'd have gone after them during the off season.

[Kenny]

Welhams early acceptance of misconduct ( headbutting Dorn in the Cas game ) means he doesn't serve a ban !!

While i don't want to see our players being banned i do think it's stupid that he doesn't get banned for that just by agreeing he did it .

[Luke]

Got my ticket for Sunday's big game.

Feel it's a game that we really need to win, though expecting a tough battle.

[Luke]

Well the only thing to say about that game, is a wins a win, and it's a very welcome 2 points. Rovers played well for about 15 minutes in the 1st half. Then totally stopped doing what was making them play well. If the 1st half was a scrappy half (certainly not helped by the periods of sunshine followed by it missing down), the 2nd half was a non event. Cockayne was excellent at full back, Weyman had a couple of great runs, and Burns was okay. But other than that it was 2 poor sides in a poor game.

BEAST
Bradford played with heart, there goal line defence superb (they held Rovers over the line at least 4 times).
But you're defence while not poor, gave up a lot of yards especially after initial contact (it was like watching a normal Rovers defensive performance), your attack lacked idea's, and you gave up an awful lot of mistakes that better sides then Rovers will kill you for, and your fringe defence is fairly week (Rovers had joy here for the 15 minutes on top, before forgetting about it).
There's hope as like I said there are some positives, but you definitely need players back and quality.

[The Beast]

Thank you Tiger, I listened to the game via BBC Radio Humberside certainly did not sound like a classic. 

I am not defeatist but the current squad has all but no chance against most of the league and I would not be surprised if at some point they ship anything upto 100 against the top sides unless they can bring in actual experienced physically mature players soon, this despite fantastic spirit that they have.  I said a few weeks ago you cannot compete in SL with 3 props (losing Diskin & Sidlow are yet further blows) and players out of position e.g. Addy playing SR but it is that or not forfilling the fixtures at the moment.

Don't want to bang on too much, this is the KR thread!! Hopefully ownership will be resolved this week although I wonder if there will further twists with the RFL reportedly asking for evidence of funds from the consortium reported??

Good luck to KR, I suspect if not expect you will improve as the season progresses.

[Luke]

To be honest Beast,
I think the biggest thing you miss is some strong bench players. You started okay, but soon as changes happen you start lacking. And you really need to sort out your attack, as apart from a couple if plays it was very basic and easy to stop.

When you're ownership is sorted out, try Rovers, we have a squad of 24 first team 31 including youngsters, you might be able to get a few on loan for the season.

As for Rovers, I think we could struggle, there's to much one man stuff. No structure to attacking plays, and at times we look short of ideas. In the 2 games I've seen Keating is average (and I'm not sure he knows how to pass backwards (really think Eden or Hall should be stand off), Our Kicking game is poor. The pack looks okay, backs average (apart from full back), we will improve but not sure enough to get into the top 8.

[Luke]

So our good form in the league continues, with tonight's derby win. I thought it was an excellent game, full of grit, intensity, passion, drama pretty much everything you would want from a derby, helped of course by Rovers winning. I thought we played very well, there were assured performances all over the park, great defence some good attack.
Apart from the forward pass for Hull's 2nd try, I didn't think Jamie Child had that badder game, and was pretty much even for both sides.
Unfortunately the video refs were disgusting, Costagins try should have stood, but how they disallowed Larroyers 2nd, and Welhams tries is beyond me.
It's a shame that once again a good exciting game will be remembered for poor video ref decisions (like at the Eithad last year), rather than the rugby.

[Luke]

Rovers have announced the signing of New Zealand born utility back Wayne Ulugia (no, I've not heard of him either), till the end of 2015 season.

Rovers are also believed to have put an excellent offer in for Wigan's Daryl Goulding who's contract ends at the end of the season.

[Luke]

It's odds on that coach Craig Sandercock will extend his contract (which runs out at the end of the season), for at least another year. Not sure this extending every year really helps the club.

Justin Poore could be out for the rest of the season, after breaking his knee cap in the defeat at Catalan.

In a slightly suprising move, Rovers have let Greg Eden go to Salford on a month's loan, though Cockayne's excellent form (I always thought he was more a full back, as he was brilliant when he played there when he first joined) and Guzdek with Hall also able to play there, perhaps it could have been expected.

[Luke]

Well that was dire. Castleford played some impressive stuff, though it probably would have been harder not to against that Rovers performance. Weak tackling, pedestrian passing, no go forward, one man stuff, and that's the good stuff.
Still we can blame the ref (who to be fair was rubbish), but more performances like that and we won't be in the 8.
Also who does Welham have the photographs of, he used to be good but his games just regressing know yet he still plays every week.

[Luke]

Jordan Cox has extended his contract for another 2 year's, keeping at the club till 2016.
Hopefully his progression will continue, as he is turning into a decent forward.

[Luke]

Sean Gleeson has announced his retirement, after failure to recover sufficiently from his eye injury. While this is sad (especially the way it happened). Given that he's only played about 6 times due to some horrendous injury problems in his 2 years at the club. It isn't much of a loss.

I wish him well with his future.

[Luke]

Kevin Larroyer & Jordan Cox will be out for about 6 weeks after both fractured there ankles during Sunday disappointing display at Cas.

[Luke]

[quote="tigerrobins"]Rovers have announced the signing of New Zealand born utility back Wayne Ulugia (no, I've not heard of him either), till the end of 2015 season.


Not anymore, after 3 games and 1 try he's been sacked for un stated disciplinary reasons.

[Luke]

Rovers begin there recruitment for next year with the signing of Darrell Goulding on a 3 year deal. If he regains form, this is an excellent signing, a good center with great hands. We need another winger, but seeing as most of the squad are already signed for at least next year, don't think we need to many more signings.
What could be intresting will be who we let go, sell. Especially if some of the rumors (Hodgson to Canberra, Burns to Wigan etc). Are to be believed.

Given that every year Sandercock has been at Rovers there has been a major turn over in players, I really hope there isn't this year.

[Luke]

Instead of just getting rid of players, this year we get rid of the coach as well, as Sandercock is sacked with immediate effect. Though am suprised by the timing, not shocked at the decision, given how poor defensively we are under him, how lethargic our attack is, and our form in his 3 years has not been all that great. And given that he got the job because of his ability with the youth players that's not come to fruition either (despite how well they played at the end of his first year).
But worryingly given how many players signed because of him, could be another winter of upheaval if quite a few decide to follow him (especially tge Aussies).
Would like to wish Jim well, I just don't think he's a number 1 yet.

[Luke]

And so the 1st player to leave is Craig Hall who will be joining Wakefield on a 2 year contract at the end of the season.
A player who on his day is majestic, and has the all round game to be a star. I never thought Rovers used him properly (he needs to be involved in the game more to get the benefit), and quite often he was left out when he's a better player than some who get in (hi Kris).
Good luck to him in the future. And thanks for the memories (that time at stand off, and the winning drop goal in the derby).

[Luke]

And for the third time in 3 days (4th in a week), someone else leaves Rovers as Jonathan Walker has his contract cancelled with immediate effect, to allow him to find a club that will allow him to play first team rugby (Bradford anyone).
Given how little he's played, and that when he has how little he's done, this is mot a great loss in my opinion.
So new signings/leavings for next year.
IN
Darrell Goulding Wigan 3 year contract.

OUTS
Wayne Ulugia released,
Jonathan Walker Released,
Craig Hall Wakefield.

[Luke]

Outstanding. After a fairly even 1st half, Rovers were outstanding in the 2nd. Cutting through the Saints defense time and again, with some fantastic attacking play. They tightened up there defence to nullify anything Saints could throw at them, dominating pretty much every aspect of the game. In what was a great team performance, sure there were somethings they could improve on. But that's just being pick in what was a very enjoyable day in the sun.

[The Beast]

Outstanding. After a fairly even 1st half, Rovers were outstanding in the 2nd. Cutting through the Saints defense time and again, with some fantastic attacking play. They tightened up there defence to nullify anything Saints could throw at them, dominating pretty much every aspect of the game. In what was a great team performance, sure there were somethings they could improve on. But that's just being pick in what was a very enjoyable day in the sun.

Sorry to invade your territory but today WOW just WOW. KR's version of shock and awe.

[Luke]

Outstanding. After a fairly even 1st half, Rovers were outstanding in the 2nd. Cutting through the Saints defense time and again, with some fantastic attacking play. They tightened up there defence to nullify anything Saints could throw at them, dominating pretty much every aspect of the game. In what was a great team performance, sure there were somethings they could improve on. But that's just being pick in what was a very enjoyable day in the sun.

Sorry to invade your territory but today WOW just WOW.  KR's version of shock and awe.

You can visit when you want Beast without being sorry.

2nd half was just one of those days were everything just went right. The sun came out, the rugby superb, everything just went our way. Even the errors were because of the attacking play and in Saints half instead of ours as they usually are. rare day.

Read about your defeat, pretty much the same old. Lowes ready to try and lead them back up in your opinion?

[Luke]

Rovers have signed Jason Chan on loan for the remainder of the season.

Never really rated him when I've seen him, so hopefully just a stop gap till some of the pack regain fitness.

[Luke]

Yesterday's game was a turn around of the Saints game. Again a tight and even first half, but the 2nd half Rovers were absolutely dire. Other than the 3 tries that we absolutely gifted Salford, our defence was weak, our attack predictable and slow, with to much one man stuff. Our kicking game pathetic. Salford were average, but they didn't need to be anything else to beat Rovers. Very quick backs though. Also How does Keating still get a game, at best he's been very average, slow, dosn't take the line on at all, average kicking game, weak defence poor passing, really not good when your a scrum half. But then again, Welham and some of the forwards play every week, so yeah why not continue with an average scrum half.

Some rumours that I have heard/read about Rovers-

Burns to Wigan, Eden to Brisbane and Josh Hodgson to Canberra are the main ones about players leaving the club.

Collis and Kear the players joining this week. Hope that this is true, as these are quality signings, and with Goulding & Cockayne will see our 3 quarters a tasty look (and will hopefully help get rid of Welham.

[Luke]

Rovers have brought in 2 players (both of whom I've never heard off), and lost one.
The players coming in add-on

Winger Ken Sioux from Parramatta, who has a very impressive scoring record. And Italian winger/fullback Josh Mantellato from Newcastle. Who are both coming on 3 year deals.
Given that we are keen to get David Hodgson to re sign on a 1 year deal. And also have Cockayne, you would have to presume that we won't be signing Gardner when he completes his loan, and will be allowing Caro to go as his deal ends at the end of the season.

Josh Hodgson leaves Rovers at the end of the season, having agreed a 2 year deal with Canberra. A good servant who is an okay player (his passing and kicking game tends to be sloppy in my opinion), he's hard working committed and makes some good runs. I think he's left a couple of seasons to early, but I wish him all the best and hopes he succeeds.

INS
Darrell Goulding from Wigan on a 3 year contract.
Ken Sio from Parramatta on a 3 year contract.
Josh Mantellato from Newcastle on a 3 year contract.

OUTS
Wayne Ulugia released.
Jonathan Walker released.
Craig Hall to Wakefield.
Josh Hodgson to Canberra.

[Luke]

We have also signed James Donaldson from Bradford on a 2 year deal, this is a good signing a young eager, talented forward who with the likes of Green & Cox could form the cornerstone of our pack for years to come.

But again, given how many forwards we've already got at the club, can see quite a few leaving at the end of the year (which isn't a bad thing), though do hope we sign Chan permanently as he looks a class player.

INS
Darrell Goulding from Wigan on a 3 year deal.
Ken Sio from Parramatta on a 3 year deal.
Josh Mantellato from Newcastle on a 3 year deal.
James Donaldson from Bradford on a 2 year deal.

[Luke]

To transfers that concern Rovers, though neither have been confirmed as of yet.
Saints have apparently signed Travis Burns for £100,000.
And we've apparently signed Kieran Dixon from London.

[Luke]

The Kieran Dixon move has been confirmed, as he joins Rovers on a 3 year deal.

INS
Darrell Goulding - Wigan - 3 year contract.
Ken Sio - Parramatta - 3 year contract.
Josh Mantellato - Newcastle - 3 year Contract.
James Donaldson - Bradford - 2 year Contract
Kieran Dixon - London - 3 year Contract.

[Luke]

Kevin Larroyer will be at Rovers again next year. Again it will be on a season long loan, which I do not understand if we want him why not just buy him.
He's performed well this year, and though I'm glad he's stayed, wish it was on a permanent contract rather than this messing around.

[Luke]

Rovers have agreed to release Rhys Lovegrove from the final year of his contract, for personal reasons and so he can go home.
An underrated player who always gave 100%, solid in his tackling he will be missed, and though sorry to see him leave I wish him all the best.

OUTS

Wayne Ulugia released.
Jonathan Walker Released.
Rhys Lovegrove released.
Craig Hall Wakefield.
Josh Hodgson Canberra.

[Luke]

Rovers have confirmed the appointment of Chris Chester as our new head coach (hardly suprising given his involvement in transfers).
Whilst it good that we have an English coach, who knows the club, and is tipped to be an impressive coach. It's intresting timing given how the league is next year, and though he's had an extended run as acting head coach, he really has to hit the ground running.
Obviously I wish him all the best, and hopefully we'll return to some exciting rugby after the dross of this year.

[Luke]

Rovers 6th signing is ex Warrington forward Tyrone McCarthy on his return from Australia.
We are really going to have to lose some players as we have a really top heavy squad.

INS
Darrell Goulding from Wigan - 3 year contract.
Ken Sio From Parramatta - 3 year contract.
Josh Mantellato from Newcastle - 3 year contract.
James Donaldson from Bradford - 2 year contract.
Kieran Dixon from London - 3 year Contract.
Tyrone McCarthy from northerm pride - 2 year Contract.

[Luke]

Rovers have released Greg Eden from the final year of his contract, so he can go to the nrl (Brisbane is his rumoured destination). He is a very talented attacking player, who's got a inventive kicking game backs up impressively, better hands than he is given credit for. If he improves his defence and his catching under the high ball, there's no reason he can't do well.

Also Ade Gardner will leave the club at the end of his loan, after Rovers declined to keep him, due to the signings we've made. To be fair i didn't rate him when he first came, thinking him just a atry scorer. But he proved me wrong, and has done well for the club.

OUTS
Wayne Ulugia released
Jonathan Walker Released
Rhys Lovegrove released
Greg Eden Released
Craig Hall Wakefield
Josh Hodgson Canberra
Ade Gardner Back to St Helens.

[Luke]

And we have a new assistant coach, as Willie Poaching leaves a similair position at Warrington. And joins on a 1 year deal.

[Luke]

Omari Caro played his last game for the club on Sunday (and what a way to sign out, with a hat trick). He was certainly a try scorer, and he has pace. But his defense (mainly down to his positioning), and the fact he wasn't safe under the high ball, and the signings we've already made, meant that this isn't really a suprise. Though I wish him well, and he did provide some highlights with the tries he scored.

OUTS

Wayne Ulugia - released.
Jonathan Walker - released
Omari Caro - released.
Greg Eden - released.
Rhys Lovegrove - London.
Ade Gardner - Back to St Helens.
Craig Hall - Wakefield.
Josh Hodgson - Canberra.

[Luke]

So Travis Burns leaves Rovers for Saints for £60,000. An exciting player who has created much for us, sometimes on his own carried our attack. Also solid in defense, he will be sadly missed.
But perhaps more alarmingly is the club are once again looking down under, rather than in the championship or there own academy?

OUTS

Wayne Ulugia - released,
Jonathan Walker - released,
Omari Caro - released,
Greg Eden - released,
Ade Gardner - back to St Helens after loan ended,
Rhys Lovegrove - London,
Craig Hall - Wakefield,
Josh Hodgson - Canberra,
Travis Burns - St Helens.

[Luke]

And Kris Keating is released. Due to homesickness, but given that he has been poor most of the season, maybe it's in his best interests.

OUTS
Wayne Ulugia - Released.
Jonathan Walker - Released.
Omari Caro - Released.
Greg Eden - Released.
Kris Keating - Released.
Ade Gardner - Loan Ended back to parent club.
Rhys Lovegrove - London.
Craig Hall - Wakefield.
Josh Hodgson - Canberra.
Travis Burns - St Helens.

[George Hotel1895]

And Kris Keating is released. Due to homesickness, but given that he has been poor most of the season, maybe it's in his best interests.

OUTS
Wayne Ulugia - Released.
Jonathan Walker - Released.
Omari Caro - Released.
Greg Eden - Released.
Kris Keating - Released.
Ade Gardner - Loan Ended back to parent club.
Rhys Lovegrove - London.
Craig Hall - Wakefield.
Josh Hodgson - Canberra.
Travis Burns - St Helens.

I never rated Keating before he came to your club if I'm honest

[Luke]

To be honest George, never heard of him before but he was desperately poor in the games I saw him in, and offered nothing.

Jamie Langley is the latest to leave, though he rarely played so won't be missed, I wish him the best.

OUTS
Wayne Ulugia - Released.
Jonathan Walker - released.
Greg Eden - Released.
Omari Caro - released.
Krist Keating - released.
Ade Gardner - loan ended.
Josh Hodgson - Canberra.
Rhys Lovegrove - London.
Craig Hall - Wakefield.
Travis Burns - St Helens.
Jamie Langley - Sheffield.

[Luke]

David Hodgson has announced his retirement from playing, as he takes up a coaching role.
A greast finnisher, who was safe under the high ball, and better in defence than peolpe belived. His 3 years at Rovers was blighted by injuries, though he will always be remembered for that try against Hull at the first Manchester madness.

OUTS
Sean Gleeson - retired.
David Hodgson - retired.
Wayne Ulugia - released.
Jonathan Walker - Released.
Greg Eden - Released.
Omari Caro - released.
Kris Keating - Loan ended.
Josh Hodgson - Canberra.
Rhys Lovegrove - London.
Craig Hall - Wakefield.
Travis Burns - St Helens.
Jamie Langley - Sheffield.

[George Hotel1895]

David Hodgson has announced his retirement from playing, as he takes up a coaching role.
A greast finnisher, who was safe under the high ball, and better in defence than peolpe belived. His 3 years at Rovers was blighted by injuries, though he will always be remembered for that try against Hull at the first Manchester madness.

OUTS
Sean Gleeson - retired.
David Hodgson - retired.
Wayne Ulugia - released.
Jonathan Walker - Released.
Greg Eden - Released.
Omari Caro - released.
Kris Keating - Loan ended.
Josh Hodgson - Canberra.
Rhys Lovegrove - London.
Craig Hall - Wakefield.
Travis Burns - St Helens.
Jamie Langley - Sheffield.

I always thought that like you he was better than people thought.

[Luke]

Rovers sign 2 new half backs from the NRL (intresting enough both from the same side), as Albert Kelly & Maurice Blair join from Gold Coast Titans on 2 year deals.

INS

Josh Mantellato from Newcastle - 3 years,
Ken Sio from Parramatta -3 years,
Kieran Dixon from London - 3 years,
Darrell Goulding from Wigan - 3 years.
Tyrone McCarthy from Nothern Pride - 2 years.
James Donaldson from Bradford - 2 years.
Albert Kelly from Gold Coast Titans - 2 years.
Maurice Blair from Gold Coast Titans - 2 years.

[George Hotel1895]

Rovers sign 2 new half backs from the NRL (intresting enough both from the same side), as Albert Kelly & Maurice Blair join from Gold Coast Titans on 2 year deals.

INS

Josh Mantellato from Newcastle - 3 years,
Ken Sio from Parramatta -3 years,
Kieran Dixon from London - 3 years,
Darrell Goulding from Wigan - 3 years.
Tyrone McCarthy from Nothern Pride - 2 years.
James Donaldson from Bradford - 2 years.
Albert Kelly from Gold Coast Titans - 2 years.
Maurice Blair from Gold Coast Titans - 2 years.

Albert Kelly is a good signing in the sense that with his many runs from dummy half will catch out lazy defence.
He's predicable in that way, but defenders will have to be on their game.

[Luke]

And for the 2nd year running, our first game of the season is Leeds at home. Will put up full fixtures tomorrow.

[George Hotel1895]

And for the 2nd year running, our first game of the season is Leeds at home. Will put up full fixtures tomorrow.

Leeds are an aging outfit. With your new signings i expect to you get the season off with a win.

[Luke]

Or now, which ever comes first. Games with an astrix's after are games that will be on sky. So

RD 1 - Sun 8th Feb - Leeds Home.
RD 2 - Sun 15th Feb - Wakefield Away.
RD 3 - Sun 1st March - Wigan Home.
RD 4 - Sun 8th March - Warrington Away.
RD 5 - Sun 15th March - Catalan Home.
RD 6 - Sun 22nd March - Widnes Away.
RD 7 - Fri 27th March - St Helens Home *.
RD 8 - Thurs 2nd April - Hull FC Away *.
RD 9 - BH Mon 6th April - Huddersfield Home.
RD 10 - Sat 11th April - Castleford Away *.
RD 11 - Sun 19th April - Salford Home.
RD 12 - Sat 25th April - Catalan Away *.
RD 13 - Fri 1st May - Wigan Away.
RD 14 - Thurs 7th May - Wakefield Home *.
RD 15 - Fri 22nd May - Leeds Away.
RD 16 - 30/31st may - Magic Weekend.
RD 17 - Sun 7th June - Castleford Home.
RD 18 - Sun 14th June - Widnes Home.
RD 19 - Sun 21st June - Warrington Home.
RD 20 - Sun 5th July - Huddersfield Away.
RD 21 - Sun 12th July - Salford Away.
RD 22 - Sun 19th July - Hull FC Home.
RD 23 - Fri 24th July - St Helens Away.

After rd 23, the split then occurs with the last 7 games opposition and venues determined by where we Finnish.
Though start and Finnish, but really looking forward to next year.

[Luke]

I sort of agree George, Leeds are definitely ageing, but its weather we click straight away, especially as the spine of our team (FB,Half Backs,Hooker), will all be new and not played together (especially in a competitive game), before.

[George Hotel1895]

I sort of agree George, Leeds are definitely ageing, but its weather we click straight away, especially as the spine of our team (FB,Half Backs,Hooker), will all be new and not played together (especially in a competitive game), before.

With Albert Kelly's style of play. I would expect him to catch out a tiring Leeds defence in the later part of the game. Have faith.

[Luke]

Rovers have signed French international hooker John Boudebza from FC Lepzigan on a 1 year deal.

INS

Josh Mantellato from Newcastle - 3 years.
Ken Sio from Parramatta - 3 years.
Kieran Dixon from London - 3 years.
Darrell Goulding from Wigan - 3 years.
Tyronne McCarthy from Northern pride - 2 years.
James Donaldson from Bradford - 2 years.
Albert Kelly from Gold coast Titans - 2 years.
Maurice Blair from Gold Coast Titans - 2 years.
John Boudebza from FC Lepzigan - 1 year.

[George Hotel1895]

Rovers have signed French international hooker John Boudebza from FC Lepzigan on a 1 year deal.

INS

Josh Mantellato from Newcastle - 3 years.
Ken Sio from Parramatta - 3 years.
Kieran Dixon from London - 3 years.
Darrell Goulding from Wigan - 3 years.
Tyronne McCarthy from Northern pride - 2 years.
James Donaldson from Bradford - 2 years.
Albert Kelly from Gold coast Titans - 2 years.
Maurice Blair from Gold Coast Titans - 2 years.
John Boudebza from FC Lepzigan - 1 year.

With these signing you must be expecting a play off spot for the coming season.

[Luke]

Top 8 should be a possibility, play off might be a bit much.

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