Linnett: I am happy to play where KR need me
KANE Linnett is happy to be flexible for Hull KR in 2021 as Tony Smith prepares to mix things up from week to week.
Linnett has been given the number 12 shirt after wearing four last season, hinting at a positional change for the 32-year-old.
The Australian spent most of his time in the second row under Tim Sheens but has been a fixture in the centres since Smith came in, with his consistency earning him the player of the year award in 2020.
“It’s just a number at the end of the day,” Linnett told the Mail.
“I’ve talked to Tony a little bit about it and he just wants to get the best team possible on the park.
“He’s indicated that I’ll be playing a bit of centre and back row so I’ll be working hard in training to get comfortable in both positions. I’m just happy to play wherever the team needs me.
“Tony is going to have different game plans each week and I’ll probably be playing in a couple of different positions.
“There’s quite a few players who can play different positions and you obviously come up against a different team each week and they’ve got different strengths and weaknesses.
“It’s really exciting the players that have come in and I can’t wait.”
Four of the new boys reported to Craven Park at the end of December, with Albert Vete and Brad Takairangi the only absentees as they await their visas.
Linnett is excited about playing alongside former Sydney Roosters team-mate Takairangi again, while he has also been impressed by Korbin Sims during the early stages of pre-season.
“Brad is a very skilful player and a very big body as well which is good for us - we’ve bulked up the pack this year,” said Linnett.
“He’s a really handy player because he can play in quite a few positions. He brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm.
“He’s played quite a bit in the NRL so he’ll bring experience to our team too. He’ll be great for us.
“Korbin has been training really well and has added leadership to the group.
“I think the recruitment has been really good. We lost quite a few players and had a pretty big turnover which I guess you can expect when you’re down the bottom of the ladder. I’m really excited this year.”
It will have been almost five months between Super League games for KR by the time the season begins after clubs agreed to push it back by two weeks.
Linnett is viewing the delay as a positive as the sport closes in on an unwanted one-year anniversary without fans.
“I love playing games but I can’t wait to get the fans back so hopefully pushing it back makes that gap a little bit smaller,” he said.
“It gives us a couple more weeks to prepare as well and it’ll give the two boys who haven’t been in yet a little bit more time.
“It’ll be great to get the crowds back. Obviously it’s different not playing in front of them. We’ve got such a loud fanbase, especially for derbies and games like that.
“They’re games that you don’t forget. I’m coming towards the back end of my career now and I want to be able to play in those big games.
“Hopefully we can get the fans back soon.”