The Hull Kingston Rovers Thread

[Luke]

First topic message reminder :

The title of the thread says it all.

[Luke]

Good to see Rovers practicing social distance and no contact in defence yesterday.

[The Beast]

Good to see Rovers practicing social distance and no contact in defence yesterday.

Whilst admittedly having not seen any footage I am not surprised with the new rules to see one or two blow outs this first two weeks. Warrington do IMO have ideal players for the six again rule i.e. Daryl Clark, Stefan Ratchford

[Luke]

True.
Add in the fact that we have basically nothing to play for whilst Warrington do, and they're a good side. The result is not in the slightest surprising.

[George Hotel1895]

Good to see Rovers practicing social distance and no contact in defence yesterday.

I would have expected more from a team coached by Tony Smith if I'm honest.

[The Beast]

Neil Hudgell to stand down as Hull KR chairman from 1st December, the club are looking for a new owner. Over to Luke for comments.

[Luke]

Neil Hudgell to stand down as Hull KR chairman from 1st December, the club are looking for a new owner.  Over to Luke for comments.

He's been saying for 7 years that he'll step aside if there was anyone who was willing to invest. Added with the pandemic, his other businesses and the council saying no to rovers buying the ground and land around it, it's hardly surprising.

Given what he's done in the last 16 years, how much he's invested in the club, and the fact that it's mainly down to him the fact I've still got a club I support. He's pretty much a modern legend (maybe abit far, but still). And I thank him for all of this, hope it goes well in the future. And hopefully Rovers continue to progress.

[The Beast]

Excellent performance v Wigan. Minikin with the hat-trick but for me, Litten and Linnett stand out performances. Nice to see Minichella get a brace and Keyes/Ryan getting some game time.

[Luke]

They've Been going well, minichella especially.

Was a great performance, and a good idea surprising win. If only it meant something in terms of the league. Still a good performance.


Will be interesting to see what we do with regards of retaining/signings players. A lot we're on 1 year deals.

Oh and we've signed George King from Wakefield.

[Luke]

Jamie's Ellis will leave the club and join Leigh at the end of the season.

Given we still have Brieley,Lewis,Abdul,Milne and Keyes. Not surprising in the slightest.

[George Hotel1895]

Neil Hudgell to stand down as Hull KR chairman from 1st December, the club are looking for a new owner.  Over to Luke for comments.

In these trouble times are can't see anybody wanting to buy a professional sports club

[Luke]

Matt Parcell, Wil Dagger and Ben Crooks have all signed new contracts for next year. Good to be keeping some of our better players.

[Luke]

And on the other side.

Jamie Ellis & Matty Gee are both off to Leigh. And Weller Haurki has been told he won't be getting a new contract. Surprised about Weller who's been pretty decent in his time with Rovers.

[Luke]

Adam Quinlan has also signed for next year.

Ryan Brierley will be leaving the club at the end of the season.

[The Beast]

Looks (to me at least) some good decisions being made, Parcell, Dagger and Crooks staying now joined by Quinlan. Ryan Brierley I don't think has quite found his best position which to me is full back. Tremendous athlete, not sure he quite has the SL skills for the halves.

I see you have Rowan Milnes back from Bradford. It will be interesting to see how he progresses, lacks a bit of pace off the mark, possibly end up at centre covering stand off.

[Luke]

Apparently that's what John Bastian has said as well, the thing with Brierley is he actually offered us something different in the halves, though agree mainly by backing up.

[Luke]

Mitch Garbutt has played his last game for the club.
He requires surgery, and has already signed for Toulouse for next year.

[The Beast]

Mitch Garbutt has played his last game for the club.
He requires surgery, and has already signed for Toulouse for next year.

Perhaps now not at SL level but I think he has been excellent for you. If fit I am sure he will go well in the Championship, like Adam Cuthbertson (Leeds to York).

[George Hotel1895]

This year is all about building for next year as there is no relegation this year, but i think a lot more rebuilding is required by Tony Smith

[Luke]

Rovers have announced that they won't be able to play there remaining fixtures (3 left), after a number of players and some staff have tested positive for covid.

[Luke]

As expected, 10 players have so far been told they can leave.

Weller Hauraki, Mitch Garbutt, Ryan Brierley, Nathaniel Peteru, Matty Gee, Daniel Murray, Kyle Trout, Jamie Ellis, Harvey Lovett (loan ended), Adam Rooks.

Most have already found a new club, but disappointed in a couple leaving (especially Peteru and Murray), but which all of them the best moving forward.

[The Beast]

I must admit I would have liked to see Dan Murray back at Bradford, good luck to him at Halifax.

I see you have Albert Vete from Melbourne Storm, looks like an ideal signing to beef up an undersized pack.

[Luke]

Yes, have to see how he goes. But on paper a good signing, and one which we need.
Rumours flying around, one of which is Ryan Hall, who we don't need.

[Luke]

And after saying that, we have signed Ryan Hall to a similar 2 year deal as Bete.

Also released next year's home kit, predominantly red, with a bit of white on the shoulders, and a white chevron with a couple of red lines in it. Not sure about it.

[The Beast]

If fit I think Hall will go well for you, not just try scoring but how he returns kicks and start sets.

Albert Vete and Korbin Sims similarly look good, rumours that Luis Johnson is heading your way from Warrington. Too early I know but in time the investment of John Bastian I think will see academy players coming through.

[The Beast]

I see you also have Muizz Mustapha on loan for next season. Granted an academy game but I saw him for Leeds at Odsal prior the Challenge Cup game. He DOMINATED that day and looks a real prospect.

[Luke]

Apparently we're going to swap Robbie Mulhern for Louis Johnson. Now I understand why Mulhern would want to go to Warrington, but personally not a deal I'm into to, and would rather he stayed at Rovers.

[Luke]

And we did swap.

Goodbye Robbie after over a 100 solid no nonsense games.
Not sure about Johnson, but a year contract isn't bad business as we can hopefully resign if he goes well.

[The Beast]

From the small amounts I have seen I think he will go well that said in honesty like you I would be disappointed to lose Mulhearn.

[Luke]

And another new signing, as utility back Brad Takairangi joins after being released from Parramatta.

Now whilst not against this signing, backs is the one position where we do seem to have cover. But he could be a decent signing.
Also with this signing we have by my maths a squad of 31, now given that there's no reserve,academy or duel registration (thank God.we have ended that farce). You do have to wonder about playing time. Especially if we don't suffer our usual injury problems.

[Luke]

Current Rovers squad. The numbers are the years on there contract (worryingly a lot end at the end of next year). Though George King is a new signing he did play for us after lockdown which is why he is included in the swuad from last year part.

FROM LAST SEASON.

FULL BACKS.
Adam Quinlan (1 year), Will Dagger (1 year).

BACKS
Greg Linkin (1 year), Ethan Ryan (1 year), Nick Rawthorne (1 year), Ben Crooks (1 year), Jimmy Kleinhorst (1 year), Shaun Kenny-Dowall (1 year), Will Tate (1 year).

HALF BACKS
Mickey Lewis (3 years), Jordan Abdull (1 year), Joe Keyes (2 years), Rowan Milnes (2 years).

FRONT ROW.
Will Maher (1 year), George Lawler (1 year), George King (2 years), Anesu Mudoti (2 years).

HOOKERS
Matt Parcell (1 year), Jez Litten (2 years).

BACK ROW
Kane Linnett ( 1 year), Elliott Minchella (2 years), Matty Storton (2 years), Owen Harrison ( year), Dean Hadley (2 years).

NEW SIGNINGS

Albert Veta (forward from Melbourne 2 years),
Ryan Hall (Back unattached 2 years),
Korbin Simms (Forward from St George 2 years),
Luis Johnson (Forward from Warrington 1 year),
Mussi Mustopha (Forward from Leeds 1 year loan deal),
Brad Takairangi (Back unattached 2 years).

LEFT THE CLUB
Harvey Livett (end of loan),
Mitch Garbutt (Toulouse),
Weller Hauraki,
Kyle Trout,
Adam Rooks (Bradford),
Robbie Mulhern (Warrington),
Daniel Murray (Halifax),
Ryan Brierley, Nathaniel Peteru, Matty Gee and Jamie Ellis (Leigh),
Elliott Wallis (York on a 1 year loan),
Will Oakes (Dewsbury on a 1 year loan).


Now obviously some players will join/leave so will update those.parts. And probably got wrong/missed were some players have left to.

[Luke]

Squad numbers for next year have been released.

1- Adam Quinlan,
2- Ben Crooks,
3- Greg Minikin,
4- Shaun Kenny-Dowall,
5- Ryan Hall,
7- Jordan Abdull,
8- Albert Vete,
9- Matt Parcell,
10- Korbin Simms,
11- Brad Takairangi,
12- Kane Linnett,
13- Dean Hadley,
14- Jez Litten,
15- George Lawler,
16- George King,
17- Elliot Minchella,
18- Matty Storton,
19- Will Dagger,
20- Mikey Lewis,
21- Owen Harrison,
22- Nick Rawsthorne,
23- Ethan Ryan,
24- Joe Keyes,
25- Rowan Milnes,
26- Will Maher,
27- Luis Johnson,
28- Muizz Mustapha,
29- Anesu Mudoti,
30- Will Tate,
31- Thomas Whur,
32- Charlie Cavanagh,
33- Jimmy Keinhorst.


Now whilst squad numbers don't really mean a thing, if we are to go by this. I'm suprised that Minikin and not Crooks is in the centers. And would be very suprised if Takairangi will be in the sr, given the numbers we have there, and how well Minchella played and with Lawler they would in my opinion be ahead of him there.
Its also a big squad, which will be interesting to see how Smith manages game time, given the restrictions mentioned before. And we're not in a position, or good enough team to keep chopping and changing if there are no injuries.

[George Hotel1895]

Squad numbers for next year have been released.

1- Adam Quinlan,
2- Ben Crooks,
3- Greg Minikin,
4- Shaun Kenny-Dowall,
5- Ryan Hall,
7- Jordan Abdull,
8- Albert Vete,
9- Matt Parcell,
10- Korbin Simms,
11- Brad Takairangi,
12- Kane Linnett,
13- Dean Hadley,
14- Jez Litten,
15- George Lawler,
16- George King,
17- Elliot Minchella,
18- Matty Storton,
19- Will Dagger,
20- Mikey Lewis,
21- Owen Harrison,
22- Nick Rawsthorne,
23- Ethan Ryan,
24- Joe Keyes,
25- Rowan Milnes,
26- Will Maher,
27- Luis Johnson,
28- Muizz Mustapha,
29- Anesu Mudoti,
30- Will Tate,
31- Thomas Whur,
32- Charlie Cavanagh,
33- Jimmy Keinhorst.


Now whilst squad numbers don't really mean a thing, if we are to go by this. I'm suprised that Minikin and not Crooks is in the centers. And would be very suprised if Takairangi will be in the sr,  given the numbers we have there, and how well Minchella played and with Lawler they would in my opinion be ahead of him there.
Its also a big squad, which will be interesting to see how Smith manages game time, given the restrictions mentioned before. And we're not in a position, or good enough team to keep chopping and changing if there are no injuries.

Perhaps one signing if the right player becomes available?

[George Hotel1895]

Hauraki retires
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/55993566

[George Hotel1895]

Albert Vete
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/tongan-international-albert-vete-keen-23517892

[Luke]

Nick Rawsthorne
Has had his contract mutually terminated and leaves immediately (he's expected to join Halifax).
Nor a suprise, we have a surplus of backs ahead of him, and given he was injured a lot never really expected him to get much if any game time.
Good luck to him.

[George Hotel1895]

Interesting from Brad Takairrangi
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/brad-takairangi-unconcerned-hull-krs-23564825

[Luke]

Rovers fixture list.
A) there are a couple of dates around each fixture, this is because the final date has yet to be confirmed.
B) the * is the first home game with fans is being considered. Though the rumour is that only fans that have had the vaccine are going to be allowed to go.

Mrch 27 -rd1- Catalans (all games at headingley).
April 1 - rd 2 - St Helens (all games at St Helens).
April 15-18, - rd 3- Huddersfield H.
April 22-25, - rd 4 - Leeds H.
April 29th May 2nd - Rd5 - Warrington A.
May 13-16 - Rd 6 - Castleford A.
May 20 -23 - Rd 7 - Wakefield A.
May 27 -30 - Rd 8 - Leigh H. *
June 10 -13 - Rd 9 - Salford H.
June 17 - 20 - Rd 10 - Wigan A.
June 24 -25 - Rd 11 - St Helens H.
July 1-2 - Rd 12 - Hull FC H.
July 4-5 - Rd13 - Catalans A.
July 9 -11 - Rd 14 - Warrington H.
July 22 -25 - Rd 15 - St Helens A.
July 29 -30 - Rd 16 - Salford A.
Aug 1 - 2 - Rd 17 - Catalans H.
Aug 6 - 8 - Rd 18 - Leigh A.
Aug 12 -15 - Rd 19 - Wigan H.
Aug 19 - 22 - Rd 20 - Hull FC A.
Aug 26 - 27 - Rd 21 - Wakefield H.
August 30 - Rd 22 - Huddersfield A.
Sept 5th - Rd 23 - Leigh (Magic Weekend)
Sept 9 -12 - Rd 24 - Castleford A.
Sept 16 - 18 - Rd 25 - Leeds H.

[George Hotel1895]

Rovers fixture list.
A) there are a couple of dates around each fixture, this is because the final date has yet to be confirmed.
B) the * is the first home game with fans is being considered. Though the rumour is that only fans that have had the vaccine are going to be allowed to go.

Mrch 27 -rd1- Catalans (all games at headingley).
April 1 - rd 2 - St Helens (all games at St Helens).
April 15-18, - rd 3- Huddersfield H.
April 22-25, - rd 4 - Leeds H.
April 29th May 2nd - Rd5 - Warrington A.
May 13-16 - Rd 6 - Castleford A.
May 20 -23 - Rd 7 - Wakefield A.
May 27 -30 - Rd 8 - Leigh H. *
June 10 -13 - Rd 9 - Salford H.
June 17 - 20 - Rd 10 - Wigan A.
June 24 -25 - Rd 11 - St Helens H.
July 1-2 - Rd 12 - Hull FC H.
July 4-5 - Rd13 - Catalans A.
July 9 -11 - Rd 14 - Warrington H.
July 22 -25 - Rd 15 - St Helens A.
July 29 -30 - Rd 16 - Salford A.
Aug 1 - 2 - Rd 17 - Catalans H.
Aug 6 - 8 - Rd 18 - Leigh A.
Aug 12 -15 - Rd 19 - Wigan H.
Aug  19 - 22 - Rd 20 - Hull FC A.
Aug 26 - 27 - Rd 21 - Wakefield H.
August 30 - Rd 22 - Huddersfield A.
Sept 5th - Rd 23 - Leigh  (Magic Weekend)
Sept 9 -12 - Rd 24 - Castleford A.
Sept 16 - 18 - Rd 25 - Leeds H.

I don't expect the Robins to be woodenspooners

[Luke]

Interesting.
Rovers have announced that they are putting up a 3,000 temporary seating stand at the South end of the ground. So that most of the 2021 members that signed with the first month will be allowed to go.
Great move by the club in my opinion.

[Luke]

Sorry they have r2nted it for the first few months.

[Luke]

So saw today's game.
For the 1st 60 minutes absolutely dire. Attack poor,defensively okay but with lapses. Then for 20 minutes actually okay, before losing back and costing the game. Really need to sort out the kicking game, as lots of really poor and pointless kicks.

Ryan hall was outstanding. Most of the rest okay, Quinlan and Abdull were both poor.

[George Hotel1895]

So saw today's game.
For the 1st 60 minutes absolutely dire. Attack poor,defensively okay but with lapses. Then for 20 minutes actually okay, before losing back and costing the game. Really need to sort out the kicking game, as lots of really poor and pointless kicks.

Ryan hall was outstanding. Most of the rest okay, Quinlan and Abdull were both poor.

With Ryan Hall now injury free you will have a better than average season

[The Beast]

I have seen some of the Catalans game, the first thought came to me was the line speed or lack thereof, they were making yards and yards in the first half after contact which is no great surprise with tacklers standing still. Great come back and disappointed that KR did not get the result.

Ryan Hall is a great signing it looks like he has been chained to a power rack all winter, massive shoulders and traps. I can see him stressing opposition defences every time he has the ball.

Tough loss last night but no table damage, not many will win at Saints. Minchella's injury apparently could be serious fingers crossed that is not the case, quality player IMO.

[George Hotel1895]

I have seen some of the Catalans game, the first thought came to me was the line speed or lack thereof, they were making yards and yards in the first half after contact which is no great surprise with tacklers standing still.  Great come back and disappointed that KR did not get the result.

Ryan Hall is a great signing it looks like he has been chained to a power rack all winter, massive shoulders and traps. I can see him stressing opposition defences every time he has the ball.

Tough loss last night but no table damage, not many will win at Saints.  Minchella's injury apparently could be serious fingers crossed that is not the case, quality player IMO.

Agreed. Saints are the team to beat this season

[Luke]

Minchella out for the season, real shame as he was great last season and was looking to carry his form on.

[George Hotel1895]

Minchella out for the season, real shame as he was great last season and was looking to carry his form on.

It's always a terrible shame when a players season ends early like this

[Luke]

Well, who wants to go to Wembley anyway.

Disappointing defeat given the 2 leads we had in the game. But a much better performance, and a lot more positives. Ryan should be starting, from the sounds of it had a great game. Move Crooks into center. Johnson also had a decent game.
Back to the grind.

[George Hotel1895]

Well, who wants to go to Wembley anyway.

Disappointing defeat given the 2 leads we had in the game. But a much better performance, and a lot more positives. Ryan should be starting, from the sounds of it had a great game. Move Crooks into center.  Johnson also had a decent game.
Back to the grind.

Wembley's always a good day, especially when you win

[Luke]

So despite conceding 5 tries, and only scoring 3.

WE WON,

Going to have to lie down for a while. It's a win that was needed, and will hopefully get us going.

[Duty281]

Was an entertaining watch, but the quality of the officiating was farcical.

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