The Hull Kingston Rovers Thread

by Luke Fri 18 Jan 2013, 1:47 pm

First topic message reminder :

The title of the thread says it all.

by George Hotel1895 Wed 22 Oct 2014, 2:00 pm

Going back to Albert Kelly. There is a RUMOUR doing the rounds that the reason the Titans unloaded him was because his legs are shot after injuries.
Have you heard this RUMOUR?

by Luke Wed 22 Oct 2014, 6:03 pm

George Hotel1895 wrote:Going back to Albert Kelly. There is a RUMOUR doing the rounds that the reason the Titans unloaded him was because his legs are shot after injuries.
Have you heard this RUMOUR?

Yes, that's why Blair was thrown in as well apparently, weather it's true or not I don't know.

by Luke Tue 28 Oct 2014, 10:35 pm

2 retirements and 1 leaving.
1st Jason Netherton retires are a decade at the club. An okay player who gave a 100%, but was limited in his game, a very solid back up. Not much of a suprise given the youngsters that are breaking through (Cox, Green Ollett etc), so his game time would have been very limited.

2nd retirement is Justin Poores, who leaves on medical advice. Only played a few games (and got suspended twice), so Rovers never saw the best of him.

Best wishes to both of them.

Matty Beherrell leaves to join Gateshead full time after being on loan there last year. This is disappointing, as people I know rate him highly, and believe that he's a decent half back, who never got a chance. And given the club are after at least one more half back would like to have seen him given a chance.

OUTS
Sean Gleeson - retired,
David Hodgson - retired,
Jason Netherton - retired,
Justin Poore - retired,
Wayne Ulugia - released,
Jonathan Walker - released,
Greg Eden - released,
Omari Caro - released,
Kris Keating - released,
Ade Gardner - loan ended.
Josh Hodgson - Canberra,
Craig Hall - Wakefield,
Rhys Lovegrove - London,
Travis Burns - St Helens,
Jamie Langley - Sheffield,
Matty Beherrell - Gateshead.

by Luke Fri 31 Oct 2014, 2:26 am

And Neville Costigan quits the club (for personal reasons apparently). Slightly disappointed with this, never really hit the hights last year, but was expecting him to be better this.
Should also add that Jason Chan has gone back to Huddersfield after his loan expired, though there are Rumors that Rovers are trying to sign him permanently. Was very impressed with him, though I didn't rate him at first he certainly grew on me, and was an outstanding performer when he played.

OUTS
Neville Costigan - quit the club.
Sean Gleeson - retired.
David Hodgson - Retired.
Jason Netherton - retired.
Justin Poore - retired.
Wayne Ulugia - released.
Jonathan Walker - released.
Greg Eden - released.
Omari Caro - released.
Kris Keating - released.
Ade Gardner - loan ended returned to parent club.
Jason Chan - loan ended returned to parent club.
Josh Hodgson - Canberra.
Craig Hall - Wakefield.
Rhys Lovegrove - London.
Travis Burns - St Helens.
Jamie Langley - Sheffield.
Matty Beherrell - Gateshead.

So this is at least 3 years in a row we've had a big turn over with regards the squad, and with quite a few contracts running out next year, could happen again. It really is no wonder we always seem to struggle at the start of the year.

by George Hotel1895 Sat 01 Nov 2014, 7:40 am

Rovers have signed Ryan Bailey on a 2 year deal from Leeds.

by Luke Sat 08 Nov 2014, 1:27 pm

George Hotel1895 wrote:Rovers have signed Ryan Bailey on a 2 year deal from Leeds.

Intresting signing. Can be a bit of a liability and a penalty machine, but he's better than people think, his new role as an experinced forward might help him calm down. Plus the Leeds fans i know think he will be a very good signing, so i bow to there knowledge.

by Luke Sun 23 Nov 2014, 3:15 am

And Rovers sign 2 more. Neither of who I have heard off. As first, Greg Burke joins the club on a season long loan from Wigan.
And then Mitchell Allgood joins from Parramatta on a 3 year deal. Both are forwards.
Now given the signings we've already made this off season, and the fact that we still have Michael Weyman, Kevin Larroyer, Adam Walker, and a clutch of improving young forwards already at the club. I really don't think that these are signings that need to be made, and while I can perhaps understand the Allgood one I certainly can't the Burke one. Though I could be proved wrong.

INS
Josh Mantellato from Newcastle - 3 years.
Darrell Goulding from Wigan - 3 years.
Kieran Dixon from London - 3 years.
Ken Sio from Parramatta - 3 years.
Mitchell Allgood from Parramatta - 3 years.
Ryan Bailey from Leeds - 2 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.
Greg Burke from Wigan - Season long loan.

by Luke Tue 25 Nov 2014, 2:53 am

Rovers have launched there new home shirt. It's predominantly red, with white at the front of the collar and around the bottom of the arms. And has blue on the sleeve and a blue band across the chest.
Based on the kit that was the original kit when Rovers started, and the kit when we won the championship and premiership double (30 years ago this year).
I quite like it, though will have to see it at the club shop, before I decide wether to buy it or not (I probably will).

by Luke Tue 02 Dec 2014, 4:43 am

And now they''ve launched the away one. Which is predominantly white, with a blue collar and at the bottom of the arms. With a blue and red band across the chest. I prefer the home one but in Hull on Wednesday, so will take a close look at them both then.

Interestingly (to me any way), change the blue to red on the away kit. And these are the two kits that we are known for, makes a change.

by George Hotel1895 Thu 04 Dec 2014, 11:34 pm

tigerrobins wrote:And Rovers sign 2 more. Neither of who I have heard off. As first, Greg Burke joins the club on a season long loan from Wigan.
And then Mitchell Allgood joins from Parramatta on a 3 year deal. Both are forwards.
Now given the signings we've already made this off season, and the fact that we still have Michael Weyman, Kevin Larroyer, Adam Walker, and a clutch of improving young forwards already at the club. I really don't think that these are signings that need to be made, and while I can perhaps understand the Allgood one I certainly can't the Burke one. Though I could be proved wrong.

INS
Josh Mantellato from Newcastle - 3 years.
Darrell Goulding from Wigan - 3 years.
Kieran Dixon from London - 3 years.
Ken Sio from Parramatta - 3 years.
Mitchell Allgood from Parramatta - 3 years.
Ryan Bailey from Leeds - 2 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.
Greg Burke from Wigan - Season long loan.

6 imports if you include John Boudebza.
That suggests to me that Rovers still haven't got it right at junior development level.

by Luke Fri 05 Dec 2014, 2:41 pm

7 now George.

As Rovers sign Terry Campese from Canberra for next year at least.

To be honest George, I don't think its the junior development, as we have some good youngsters (Cox,Green, Hallet, Guzdek etc), I feel that certain coaches just don't trust them, and due to where the club are feel that we would rather get an experienced player than build. Other than Sandercock at the end of the first season (when he had no other option).

by Luke Fri 19 Dec 2014, 2:59 am

Rovers squad numbers for 2015 season are.

1- Kieran Dixon.
2- Ben Cockayne.
3- Darrell Goulding.
4- Josh Mantellato.
5- Ken Sio
6- Maurice Blair.
7- Albert Kelly.
8- Adam Walker.
9- Keal Carlile.
10- Michael Weyman.
11- Kevin Larroyer.
12- Graeme Horne.
13- Tyrone McCarthy.
14- Mitchell Allgood.
15- James Donaldson.
16- Ryan Bailey.
17- Greg Burke.
18- Liam Salter.
19- Kris Welham.
20- James Green.
21- Aaron Ollett.
22- Jordan Cox.
23- Terry Campese.
24- John Boudebza.
25- Macauley Hallet.
26- Sonny Esslemont.
27- Josh Guzdek.
28- Connor Robinson.
29- Matthew Marsh.
30- Steven Holker.

by **Kenny** Fri 16 Jan 2015, 12:32 pm

tiger i am back Very Happy

Come on you Robins , fingers crossed for a decent season

by Luke Sat 17 Jan 2015, 3:26 am

Kenny wrote:tiger i am back

Come on you Robins , fingers crossed for a decent season

Glad your back, and hopefully feeling better.

I think it will be a decent season anyway, as I'm really for the new format and think it was not only needed, but will improve the game.

As for Rovers, should be intresting, some good signings, different style of play after the 3 years of general dross, pace, a decent pack. And am really looking forward to seeing Campese and Kelly in the halfs. And seeing how we compete, should be an exciting season ahead for us.

by **Kenny** Sat 17 Jan 2015, 4:48 pm

I think if we can get them playing as a unit as quick as possible then we can have a good season .

Campese and Kelly could be a good fit at half back and i think we have strengthened the backs and pack . And to be honest i aren't to concerned about the players who have left ( including Burns who wanted another 2 year deal on improved terms so i can see why we cashed in ) Costigan liked a drink to much so glad Chester has put his foot down and got rid of the bad eliment .

by **Kenny** Thu 22 Jan 2015, 11:56 pm

watched a dvd of the friendly , thought we played pretty well really showed some good encouraging signs

by Luke Fri 23 Jan 2015, 1:56 pm

Kenny wrote:watched a dvd of the friendly , thought we played pretty well really showed some good encouraging signs

From what I've heard/read, 1st half we were pretty poor and Hull dominated, 2nd half we we're fairly good. Campese and Kelly look a decent pairing, Dixon has the pace we've been missing. The backs look stronger (I really think Goulding is an excellent signing), forwards were a bit light weight. But given that it was there first competitive game together I agree very encouraging.

Can't wait for the season to start.

by **Kenny** Sat 24 Jan 2015, 4:31 pm

I will be interested in how hard we go against Warrington tomorrow , personally i think we should treat it as if it's the first game of the season and go to win it then we should be upto speed for Leeds .

by George Hotel1895 Wed 11 Feb 2015, 10:41 am

Disappointing result for Rovers fans against Leeds.
From this result both teams could struggle with defence this season.

by Luke Mon 02 Mar 2015, 1:49 pm

Was at yesterdays suprising win against Wigan. In what was largely a scrappy game.
Apart from the 10 minutes around half time, when Wigan upped there game, and played with speed thought Rovers fully deserved there win.
We were always in the contest, our forwards were outstanding all game, and apart from a couple of soft tries thought our defence was good as well.
Though this was helped by Wigan speeding more time messing around at the rucks and doing stupid things then them playing rugby (how Tomkins and Mcllorum didn.t get bined is beyond belief, but a commen complaint for fans against Wigan). Our backs didn't really get chance to shine, though they ran hard all game, Walker and Boudebza really impressed.
Good win needed.

by Luke Mon 16 Mar 2015, 2:06 pm

Rovers have signed hooker Shaun Lunt on loan from Huddersfield for the rest of the season.
Excellent signing in my opinion, will give the go forward and his experince will be good.
though think given how both our hookers at the start of the season are off contract at the end, one will leave.

Also Micheal Weyman has been forced to retire due to his knee injury. Though was at the club only last season, enjoyed watching his no nonsense style.

2015 SEASONS LEAVERS

Micheal Weyman - Retired.

by Luke Mon 23 Mar 2015, 9:59 pm

Was at Rovers loss to Widnes yesterday, who just wanted more. Rovers were very disapointing in the 1st half, and though they slightly improved in the 2nd half it just was not enough.

Also as i put last message, Keal Carlisle has left the club and joined Sheffield on a 2 year deal. Not a bad player and never let anyone down.

2015 SEASON LEAVERS

Micheal Weyman - retired
Keal Carlislee - Sheffield.

by The Beast Tue 24 Mar 2015, 9:26 pm

Interesting Cup draw, Bulls away. Should be a good indication of where Bradford are. I will would suggest KR are favourites, thoughts?

Leigh v Salford is tasty too.

by Luke Tue 24 Mar 2015, 11:59 pm

The Beast wrote:Interesting Cup draw, Bulls away. Should be a good indication of where Bradford are. I will would suggest KR are favourites, thoughts?

Leigh v Salford is tasty too.

Hi Beast, hope you and yours are all well?

Not with how we're playing away, at Widnes on Sunday looked really lethargic.
On paper yes. Be intresting to see how much priority we give the cup, especially given if we're still in the same position (ie out the top 8), if we give it a real go think we should win (based on what Bradford fans at work say about them), if not then Bradford could win.
Agree that this is more about were Bradford are and what they need when they get to the 8's stage of the season (they will be in the top 4 of the championship).
Should be a good game though, big crowd exciting tie everything you need for a decent challenge cup game.

Also agree Leigh/ Salford is the tie of the rd, think all 4 SL sides have tricky games, and that the other 4 ties offer an incentive (don't agree with this way of doing the cup, pretty much guarantees a top 4 side Wembley), but will give certain sides a massive incentive on getting through.

Also would like to see Leigh Miners Rangers get through and get a big side even if they get stuffed, but think York will win.

by The Beast Thu 26 Mar 2015, 8:00 pm

I am fine thank you Tiger, hope you are also well. Good to see Kenny back.

I agree with all of your points. It is important for Bradford not only as a gauge but to play a team that should scare them. Whilst the championship is better than some give credit for there is (or at least should be) a gulf with some teams barely being semi-pro. Bradford were very lucky to beat Batley 2 weeks ago and whilst it was in the end a blow out v Workingtonlast week it was 6 apiece after 30 minutes. There can be no switching off against KR or it will be a painful albeit perhaps important lesson before the middle eights that they appear likely to be involved.

Leigh are a fine well drilled side, Moi Moi is still a major handful and they should have Hock so Salford will need to be towards their best to avoid the upset.

Haven't seen much of KR but Campese & Kelly look good, Lunt I think is a terrific player, surprised Hudds let him go for the whole season. How is Donaldson doing? He is very brave coming back from 2 major knee injuries, his attacking skills might not be absolute top quality but last year his attitude work rate and tackling was a good as it gets.

by Luke Thu 26 Mar 2015, 10:44 pm

Heard that about Bradford, and from what I remember of that division the play the balls are slow, the messing around at the play the balls annoying. And when we were full time (the year we went up), we tended to blow sides away when they tired.
This tie should show you what you need in the middle 8's to improve, against the 4 SL sides, and pretty much were you're at at the moment. You're doing what is expected at the moment, and will get better on harder grounds, but SL is a different standard.

Erm, Rovers are Rovers, winning home games, playing poor away.We not got a big set of forwards so that's a problem, backs haven't clicked. When we get going we can play great rugby, if we don't we're poor.
Campese controls our play, and looks good, Kelly is okay but you can see will be better on drier grounds, Cockayne been his usual good self. And agree about Lunt.

Donaldson has hardly played (been sub a couple of games), defensively looks good though gives away some stupid pens, attacking wise not done alot.
Personally would like to see him more (with Larroyer and McCarthy as the back 3), but we are playing Blair (who's okay but nothing special) on Sr with Burke (very average, don't know why we got him on loan, or why we needed him), with McCarthy. Larroyer only come back in recently.

Like Isaid I expect a really good, hard fought cup tie (hopefully get the day off work so I can go), but think Rovers pace in general play will give us the edge.

by Luke Mon 30 Mar 2015, 2:10 pm

Rovers have announced that Jamie Peacock will be joining them as the new director of football (and no, have no idea what that entails), from next year on a 2 year deal.

by George Hotel1895 Wed 01 Apr 2015, 10:18 am

Dane Tilse about to join you. Good signing
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/dane-tilse-to-leave-canberra-for-super-league-side-hull-kr-after-round-7/story-fniabjcr-1227287432625

by Luke Wed 08 Apr 2015, 5:24 pm

In what has been a busy week for Rovers with regard playing staff.

First pre season Big name signing Ryan Bailey has been released after 1 subs apperance for the club.

2015 LEAVERS

Micheal Weyman - Retired.
Keal Carlisle - Sheffield.
Ryan Bailey - Released.

Rovers then announced that youngsters Josh Guzdek, Connor Robinson & Matthew Marsh, are joining Coventry on loan. Initially this is for a month, but can be extended obviously.

Then in typically unusal speed for Rovers, as george has put. Dane Tilse has signed for the club on a 2 1/2 year deal from Canberra. Arriving at the end of this month.

2015 NEW SIGNINGS.

Dane Gilse from Canberra - 2 1/2 year conntract.

And to top it off, Rovers announce that Terry Campese (who has been outstanding), has extended his contract, adding 2 years to the initial 1 year deal, now going through till 2017. With an additional year if both want it.

by Luke Tue 14 Apr 2015, 2:23 am

Rovers have let another youngster go out on loan for a month. This time its Jordan Cox who has joined Huddersfield.

by The Beast Thu 16 Apr 2015, 7:44 pm

Looking forward to Sunday's cup game. Bradford have lost s/h Harry Siekja for 10 weeks, with injury concerns to Gaskell, Purtell et.al the back line does look vulnerable, to be honest just hoping they give KR a run for their money. Can't attend unfortunatley, long drive from Sth Leicestershire, have to be picky/lucky with dates.

by Luke Fri 17 Apr 2015, 1:44 am

The Beast wrote:Looking forward to Sunday's cup game. Bradford have lost s/h Harry Siekja for 10 weeks, with injury concerns to Gaskell, Purtell et.al the back line does look vulnerable, to be honest just hoping they give KR a run for their money. Can't attend unfortunatley, long drive from Sth Leicestershire, have to be picky/lucky with dates.

Rovers have announced that we will be taking a strong squad over, so looks like we're taking it seriously.
Am going Sundayand am also really looking forward to it, should be a great atmosphere and intresting game.

Would you risk your injury concerns Beast? With the league so important this year, if they get injured for longer could be worst for you (though I still think you'll get a top 4 spot).

by The Beast Fri 17 Apr 2015, 11:02 pm

tigerrobins wrote:
The Beast wrote:Looking forward to Sunday's cup game. Bradford have lost s/h Harry Siekja for 10 weeks, with injury concerns to Gaskell, Purtell et.al the back line does look vulnerable, to be honest just hoping they give KR a run for their money. Can't attend unfortunatley, long drive from Sth Leicestershire, have to be picky/lucky with dates.

Rovers have announced that we will be taking a strong squad over, so looks like we're taking it seriously.
Am going Sundayand am also really looking forward to it, should be a great atmosphere and intresting game.

Would you risk your injury concerns Beast? With the league so important this year, if they get injured for longer could be worst for you (though I still think you'll get a top 4 spot).

Tough one that Tiger, yes the league is of the upmost importance, this game should be a yardstick and I potentially a kick up the backside. No Siekja, Mullaney so assuming Gaskell is fit (in the squad but apparently a shoulder problem), he and Addy in the halves, Gaskell however I would not risk imo critical particularly after losing Gareth O'Brien who decided to go back to Warrington having agreed to join in the off-season. I saw the Hull derby on the tv, I was impressed with Mitch Allgood, ran hard particularly in the first half, Dixon burned Bradford a few times whilst at London, lightning quick. Fancy Rovers to win fairly comfortably but not without conceeding a few themselves, not sure who the ref is which might be a factor, as you mentioned the Championship PTB is much slower than SL.

I see Wakey have won tonight, comfortably in the end, I am guessing the fitness of the full-time players showing in the end, always thought it was a smart move to play on Friday night, Fax players potentially working during the week if not today. Eyes on Leigh/Salford tomorrow for potential shocks. Hope you enjoy Sunday regardless, admitedly jealous, I will be listening on the radio.

by **Kenny** Sat 18 Apr 2015, 11:00 pm

Hi Beast

I think you may just shock us tomorrow and take the result ( hope i am wrong but not confident at all )

by Luke Mon 20 Apr 2015, 5:36 pm

So yesterdays cup game. And what a cracking game it was, some great rugby, good tries, some soft tries, a couple of set too's, strange refereeing decisions. Everything that you'd want from a rl game.
The sun even shone a couple of times, and it might even have got to double figures on the temprture gage a couple of times as well.

Rovers showed the good and bad side of there game.
Attacking wise at times we were excellent, breaking the line often, and showing how more clinical we've become.
Defencively we were either dire or okay, giving up some very soft tries and allowing quite a lot of yards.
We ars 2 different sides, at home we look great, away we look poor.
But at the end of the day, the result was the most important thing yesterday, and we won so got to be happy.

Bradford will get alot of the credit in scoring 30 points. And they deserve it playing a passing/offload game that we really didn't expect. Defencively they manned up quite well, and they played very well.

Beast,
2 things i think you need to do for the middle 8's (tghough how is anyones guess).
Intensity, you had it in spells (the start of both halfs, and when you came from 10 down), but to beat sl sides you need it for more than 10/15 minute spells.
Speed, not just the play the ball, but speed of thought which at times was very slow and average.

by The Beast Mon 20 Apr 2015, 7:48 pm

Thanks tiger, have been looking forward to hearing your thoughts. I was thinking listening to the radio it sounded like an entertaining game.

Jimmy Lowes commented on how clinical KR were and was very complimentary. Regarding the Bulls, there certainly have been periods in games where they have switched off they are not good enough to get away with it against the quality and pace that you have which again Lowes acknowledges.

Bradford investigating damage to cars in the local leisure centre (Richard Dunn) car park during the game who are "partners" with the club. Whilst they say more security will be in place moving forward at £5 per car frankly it should have been in place, sorry for those affected.

by Luke Wed 03 Jun 2015, 6:14 pm

Rovers pre season signing, Darrell Goulding has been forced to retire duer to medical advice., after getting a concussion during a game in april, and contuing to get head issues.
Though never really saw it during his few games with Rovers, he was a very classy back with excellent hgandling skills, who i which all the best for with regards his future.

2015 LEAVERS

Micheal Weyman - Retired
Darrell Goulding - Retired
Keal Carlile - Sheffield
Ryan Bailey - Released.

by The Beast Tue 30 Jun 2015, 9:55 pm

Big game, big win tonight Tiger. Derby game looking critical for top 8 qualification, should be a cracker. Perhaps Wakey with their new signings (I am not impressed by this for obvious reasons) can do you a favour?

by Luke Tue 07 Jul 2015, 1:46 pm

The Beast wrote:Big game, big win tonight Tiger. Derby game looking critical for top 8 qualification, should be a cracker. Perhaps Wakey with their new signings (I am not impressed by this for obvious reasons) can do you a favour?

Don't think we'll get in the top 8 Beast, really had to win last sunday but really failed to put in a performance (plus Danny Brough was outstanding, and yes was at the game). Given that our last 3 are Salford and Saints away (Saints last game), And cbviousley FC home (Got my ticket for this) can't see us winning enough to get into it.

Agree that the Wakefield signings are wrong, given this new format don't think you should be able to make loan/immediate effect signings after the end of May say, so that everybody nows what to expect. Given there signings and the other 3 sides, its really hard seeing any of the SL clubs not being in the top 4. Only chance i feel for the championship sides is the 4/5 play off game.

Rovers have signed there 2nd new player for next year, by signing back Thomas Minns from Leeds. Don't know anything about him, but its good to see the club going for young English talent, will see if this continues.

2016 ARRIVALS

Dane Tilse from Canberra for 2 1/2 years.
Thomas Minns from Leeds for 3 years.

by The Beast Sat 01 Aug 2015, 8:11 pm

Well played today, saw the game, KR deserved to win. Green continues to impress, academy product? When Allgood is fit, with Tilse it will be a handy front row.

Tough final but what the hell, nothing lose and a great day out, I hope you can go if you wish to do so.

Hope the players don't celebrate too much, middle 8's next week I think you have Leigh away, I suspect and predict that you will top of the mini league but Leigh are not to be underestimated. Might be tricky balancing the two competitions?

by Luke Thu 06 Aug 2015, 1:15 pm

The Beast wrote:Well played today, saw the game, KR deserved to win. Green continues to impress, academy product? When Allgood is fit, with Tilse it will be a handy front row.

Tough final but what the hell, nothing lose and a great day out, I hope you can go if you wish to do so.

Hope the players don't celebrate too much, middle 8's next week I think you have Leigh away, I suspect and predict that you will top of the mini league but Leigh are not to be underestimated. Might be tricky balancing the two competitions?

Thanks Beast.

We did play well and suprisingly controlled the game pretty much from start to finnish (apart from the 1st minute, and 5 mins when Warrington scored twice), and despite being soaked from being on the west terrace (funny didn't really notice it till after the game), it was a throughly enjoyable afternoon.

Green is an academy product, made his debut a couple of years ago and is beginning to kick on. You forgot to add Walker, but agree have decent font 3, Would argue that Allgood's injury was as bad for us as Campese's, espically the form he was in.

As for Wembley, i am going(got my ticket this morning), i'm up in the gods,. But who cares, this is more about being there than were you are.

Agree about the 8's, our fixtures are- Leigh away, Halifax home, Widnes away, wembley, wakefield home, bradford home, sheffield away, salford home.
Don't think we vwill finnish top (think Widnes should do that)' but would expect us to get in the top 3.
as for the other place its pretty much anybodys and it wouldn't suprise me if Sheffield and halifax (are you fed up of playing them yet) ? get a couple of decent results.
Nothing against there fans, but i sort of hope Wakefield stay down, simply because of them changing most of there side in the last 3 weeks.
As for us, i don't now if wembley will be a distraction or not, surely you just say to the players prove to me your worth a squad place (you know certain players are going to be starting), but as you say could wrap those players up in cotton wool, which could disrupt the team. One good thing in a way, is our 2 hardest away games are before the final, which should give the club good preperation.
Just have to wait and see i guess.

by Luke Mon 10 Aug 2015, 4:22 pm

Rovers have already started there not really sure why we've signed him, as not really sure we needed him, signing by getting back Iain Thornley from Wigan on a 2 year deal.

2016 SIGNINGS

Dane Tilse from Canberra 2 1/2 year deal.
Thomas Minns from Leeds 3 year deal.
Iain Thornley from Wigan 2 year deal.

We have also let promising youngster Connor Robinson leave.

2015 LEAVERS

Michael Weyman - retired.
Darrell Goulding - retired.
Ryan Bailey - Released.
Keal Carlilse - Sheffield.
Connor Robinson - Halifax.

by **Kenny** Tue 11 Aug 2015, 3:52 pm

tigerrobins wrote:Rovers have already started there not really sure why we've signed him, as not really sure we needed him, signing by getting back Iain Thornley from Wigan on a 2 year deal.

2016 SIGNINGS

Dane Tilse from Canberra 2 1/2 year deal.
Thomas Minns from Leeds 3 year deal.
Iain Thornley from Wigan 2 year deal.

We have also let promising youngster Connor Robinson leave.

2015 LEAVERS

Michael Weyman - retired.
Darrell Goulding - retired.
Ryan Bailey - Released.
Keal Carlilse - Sheffield.
Connor Robinson - Halifax.

Hi tiger ,

I have heard that Kris Welham maybe crossing the city to the dark side as they are offering more money so that maybe why we have signed Thornley , also heard ( and it is in the papers today that Clarkson from Leeds should be signing soon ( I think that would be a decent signing , hes 25 with alot of experience and is looking to cement a first team spot , plus he has looked good in the games i have seen him play for Widnes this season ) .

Larroyer , Horne , Cockayne and Boudebza should sign on again , but for me the one player we need is Lunt to sign but Leeds are sniffing now Aiton has joined Catalans .

by **Kenny** Tue 11 Aug 2015, 3:55 pm

Going to Wembley also ( ticker permitting ) Very Happy

by Luke Wed 12 Aug 2015, 3:49 am

Hi Kenny.

Glad you are back to some form of health, and long may it continue that way.

Not sure about Welham, this year he's been excellent in some of the games I've seen, but after the last few years maybe moving on may be in his intrest.
I was speaking to a Leeds fan at work tonight, and apparently Minns is a very good center, so will be intresting to see him.
But I still don't get the Thornley signing, Personally would play Mantellato in centers (excellent player, just don't think he's quick enough for the wings), but if you add Minns, Salter, Cockayne (glad he might be resigning as he's had an excellent season in my opinion), Sio, who can all play there just don't think he's what we need.
Have heard about Clarkson, be an intresting signing, and we've certainly got strength there with Horne (again glad he's resigning as has been a solid, reliable player in his 4 years here), Larroyer, McCarthy, Ollett. and others.
I said to a Rovers fan after the Huddersfield game, we have the makings of an excellent squad, a couple of signings should turn us into a top 8 side, and Clarkson could be one of those.

Lunt apparently really enjoys playing at Rovers, loves the fans etc, so that may count in our favour, like me and the Leeds fan said, it's really a choice of playing at a club he clearly enjoys, or playing at a club that he will probably win things with, so at this moment could be either or.

Where are you at Wembley? I'm top tier around the corner area of were the dugouts are, really beginning to look forward to it.
As I said to the Leeds fan, we can go and enjoy the occasion, the stadium etc, all the pressure is on them as they're expected to win, only thing that will annoy me is if we lose badly, anything else is expected. And if we win, I'm off to church on the Sunday, as
Miracles obviously do happen.

by **Kenny** Thu 13 Aug 2015, 6:05 pm

I think we are behind the posts middle tier at the far end from the tunnel , I am ( fingers crossed ) going with a few mates who go every year no matter who is playing and they always sit in the same area .

I like our squad , we have been unlucky again with injuries to key players who were playing really well at the time of their injury .
I would like to see most of the squad retained and just improved in a couple of areas rather then the wholesale changes we have had in the last couple of seasons , I would love to see us go out and bring in a proper 13 loose forward someone who can play the ball but also go forward but given we will be looking at the UK market not sure who we could get in .

by **Kenny** Thu 13 Aug 2015, 6:08 pm

By the way if we do keep our place in superleague next season do you think we will find some extra cash from somewhere and buy a ' marque ' signing ?

by The Beast Sun 16 Aug 2015, 4:51 pm

Good to "see" you Kenny. Enjoy the final, hope you continue to enjoy good health.

I cannot see that you won't be in SL next year, middle 8's SL v Championship is now 7 - 0 early I know but at the moment the Championship sides appear to be way behind SL. Bradford appalling yesterday.

by Luke Fri 21 Aug 2015, 3:49 am

Kenny wrote:By the way if we do keep our place in superleague next season do you think we will find some extra cash from somewhere and buy a ' marque ' signing ?

No, and to be honest wouldn't really want one. Possibily away to keep Lunt? But other than that no.

Agree about our squad, and we could do with a ball playing 13. Only other area is FB in my opinion. Possibily a back up half as well.
Like Dixon, just think that he has to many mistakes in him. If we can keep Lunt, then other than that don't think we need any other players particularly,

by Luke Fri 21 Aug 2015, 4:01 am

The Beast wrote:Good to "see" you Kenny. Enjoy the final, hope you continue to enjoy good health.

I cannot see that you won't be in SL next year, middle 8's SL v Championship is now 7 - 0 early I know but at the moment the Championship sides appear to be way behind SL. Bradford appalling yesterday.

Was suprised how bad Bradford were, considering that you played very well against us in the cup. Halifax apparently played well against us, but that's the major difference between SL sides and the championship, SL sides will find away to a) win, b) are far more clinical then the championship sides are.
Leigh really needed to beat us, always going to be a struggle from then on (though to be fair, I doubt anybody could have stopped Salford on Sunday the way Rangi Chase played).
Big games this weekend for the 2 of you, Bradford at home to Salford, Leigh at home to Wakefield. If Leigh win can still see them making a challenge(they play the 3 other championship sides, before Widnes away).
Though as the Leeds fan at work and I have said, you sort of feel that the biggest game is Leigh/Bradford for who gets the 4th\5th placed spot. Then in a one off game who knows.

by Sponsored content