Smith: Don’t read too much into the squad numbers
TONY Smith has played down the significance of the changes to Hull KR’S squad numbers, insisting he will adopt a horses for courses approach throughout the 2021 season.
The allocation of the second-row numbers caught the eye with Kane Linnett going from four to 12 and new signing Brad Takairangi taking 11.
Greg Minikin and Shaun Kennydowall were given new numbers as part of a shake-up in the outside backs following the arrival of Ryan Hall.
But the players have been left in no doubt that the way they perform in training and on matchday will determine whether and where they play, not their squad number.
“It’s just a case of fitting people into numbers,” Smith told the Mail.
“We have to allocate numbers but in other countries they don’t have to - they wear a different number according to where they’re selected.
“That can change on a weekly basis for some people in those countries and it will for us.
“Don’t overread into this but Adam Quinlan has number one but can play in the halves.
“We obviously won’t change his number but in another country he could have six or seven on his back.
“Kane Linnett has been training in the second row and in the centres, which is what he did last year. He may well play centre all year, or just some of this year.
“There are no guarantees and we’ve got to work out what’s best for the team each and every week.
“They all know it’s down to how they play and train each and every week as to whether they get a position and what position they start in.”
While squad numbers mean little in the grand scheme of things, they give coaches the chance to reward players for their performances the previous year.
Jez Litten jumped from 18 to 14 on the back of a breakthrough season and Elliot Minchella was given the 17 shirt after an impressive debut campaign at Craven Park.
George King will wear number 16 this year and Matty Storton was promoted to number 18. “We tried to promote people; I don’t think there’s anybody who went down in numbers,” Smith added. “There was an opportunity to promote a couple of people, a slight reward for them and an incentive to go further.
“It doesn’t necessarily mean a lot at this stage but the fact a few guys are jumping up the numbers gives them an idea that they can get to those really small numbers quicker.”