Will power can charge KR success

IT IS great to see Hull KR thriving and – despite Thursday’s agonising golden-point loss to Wigan – I think they can challenge for all of the trophies this season.

They have fanatical supporters and there is a real desire for the club to do well. They have managed to progress each year on and off the field. It looks like they have the right people in key places going forward.

Neil Hudgell is a very giving and passionate owner who has great rugby league knowledge.

But now Rovers have an outstanding board, too, bringing together some of the most successful businessmen in Hull which can only add intelligence and financial nous. And Paul Lakin is another sharp operator as CEO, someone who has the ambition to get them to the top.

There’s also Craig Franklin, who I worked with when he was the club’s head of marketing, but is now doing a great job as chief operating officer.

On the field, Willie Peters (above) has been their biggest signing as head coach. Him and Danny McGuire working together has really transformed KR into a difficult side to play against – one who can score points, but also pride themselves on defensive attitude.

It is defence that wins you titles. Defence allows you to win games when your attack is a bit clunky and not working well. Defence is all based around mindset, effort and working hard for each other.

They are all choices. You can make those decisions to turn up every week and Peters and his coaching staff have created an environment where they expect it, and that kind of behaviour is rewarded. That is why you see them play as well as they have and mixing it with the big boys this term.

They have that blend of good, young, British players – including outstanding half-back pairing Mikey Lewis and Jordan Abdull – and overseas players who care about the club. And they also have players at the other side of their international careers, who still contribute week to week in Super League like Ryan Hall.

And we all know that Hally won’t stop until he gets McGuire’s record for Super League tries!