It’s home comforts and safety - KR predictions
Hull KR are in the depths of the off-season but the start of the 2021 Super League campaign is now two months away. Rovers were last in action in the Hull derby on October 29, meaning it will be almost five months between competitive games by the time the new season kicks off.
Tony Smith’s side are set to play one friendly in mid-march, which will whet the appetite for what is to come in 2021.
Here, the Mail makes five Kr-related predictions for this year.
Safety with something to spare
After finishing bottom last year albeit after winless Toronto Wolfpack withdrew from the competition - it is no surprise to see KR among the favourites to go down.
But Rovers have recruited well in the off-season and look stronger heading into 2021, whereas Wakefield Trinity have made only two permanent additions in Mason Lino and Eddie Battye and Leigh Centurions have not made the signings most onlookers expected when they won the battle to replace Toronto last month.
As ever, injuries will have a big say - and there is the potential for coronavirus disruption in the early part of the season - but with the new signings on board and key players fit again, the Robins could secure their safety with something to spare.
Home comforts
Clubs are preparing to begin the season behind closed doors at single venues but the hope is they will be able to return home for round three in mid-april.
If everything goes to plan, Super League will welcome fans back as the season goes on and that will be a huge boost for all clubs, especially KR who have suffered without the loud and passionate support from the stands. After a year without a home game, the Robins would relish being back at Craven Park and it would be no surprise to see Smith’s men win more than they lose in east Hull, which would go a long way to securing survival.
Takairangi to take Super League by storm
Rovers have made several eyecatching signings but arguably saved the best for last in Brad Takairangi.
The 31-year-old is a half-back in a forward’s body and it will be fascinating to see how he is used by Smith. Takairangi looks tailor-made for Super League and opposition defences will be on their guard every time he gets the ball in his hands.
Kenny-dowall to prove quality
It was a hugely difficult first year in England for Shaun Kennydowall, with the coronavirus pandemic presenting unprecedented challenges for overseas players in particular.
Rovers did not see the best of Kenny-dowall in 2020 but he displayed impeccable professionalism in testing circumstances and was the only member of Smith’s squad to play every game.
If KR’S new-look pack can provide a strong platform and Kennydowall is finally able to build combinations, the former New Zealand outside back will have the tools to enjoy a big year.
Minchella to give Wane food for thought
Whereas Kenny-dowall struggled to find his best form in his debut season, Elliot Minchella was a leading performer following his arrival from Bradford Bulls.
The ballplaying loose forward is hoping to take his game to the next level in 2021 and if he does that he could work his way into Shaun Wane’s thoughts ahead of the World Cup.
Morgan Knowles was the only player named in Wane’s most recent England squad who fits into the same kind of bracket as Minchella, meaning there could be an opening that the KR man is capable of filling.