Still hard yards to go says Shaun
DEFIANT: Shaun Lunt SHAUN LUNT has rubbished claims that Hull KR have been gifted an easy ride early in the Middle 8s.
Rovers, who got relegated last year, face three Championship sides plus Super League strugglers Leigh in their opening four games.
It gives them a golden opportunity to pick points up early and put pressure on other sides in the scrap for a top-flight spot.
But Rovers skipper Lunt insists the order of fixtures will count for nothing in the cut-throat competition.
Ahead of today’s home game against Halifax, he said: “The only slight advantage anyone has is having four home games instead of three – the rest is who turns up on the day.”
Rovers, who were relegated after losing to Salford in last year’s dramatic Million Pound Game, earned four home matches after finishing top of the Championship.
But Lunt insists the only thing that really counts is which team handles the intense battles over the next seven games.
He said: “We know how tough it is. You don’t get a second chance against any team.
“We know what it’s about and what’s expected of us and hopefully that will give us some belief.”
Rovers’ confidence took a hit in the last two regular league games, losing to both Toulouse and today’s opponents Halifax.
Lunt added: “We’ve had a fantastic season so far and then not been great for the last couple of games.
“But it could turn out to be a good thing because we won’t get carried away with what we’ve done.”
While Rovers are full-time, Halifax survive as a part-time outfit but coach Richard Marshall smells another upset.
He said: “On paper the teams are poles apart financially but if you work hard anything is possible.”
Halifax only clinched their spot in the Middle 8s with the final 28-6 win of the season over an injury-hit Rovers side.
Marshall added: “We know they are going to be stronger this time but we are confident.
“It does not daunt us. We have been building and getting better and we have got momentum.” BACK IN ACTION: Smith has recovered from surgery