-
By JAMES O’BRIEN james.obrien@reachplc.com @jamesobhdm
TONY Smith has been encouraged by what he has seen from the leaders in his Hull KR squad but says he is still some way off appointing a new captain for the 2021 season.
The Rovers head coach named co-captains at the start of 2020, with Weller Hauraki and Mose Masoe sharing the responsibility.
But Masoe suffered a career-ending injury soon after Smith made his decision and Hauraki moved on at the end of last season.
Hauraki’s departure has left Smith looking for a new on-field leader for the second year running. As he did in early 2020, Smith wants to wait until the latter stages of pre-season before making a decision.
Smith has been without two important members of his squad for the first six weeks of pre-season, but both Brad Takairangi and Albert Vete are set to report to Craven Park in the next 48 hours.
Once they have bedded in, Smith will start to think about who will lead his team in 2021.
“I haven’t got my full squad together yet,” he told the Mail.
“Without knowing what the full chemistry is and what effects Albie and Brad have, it’d be neglectful of me to have too many thoughts about that.
“I want to see everybody together and see how they all react with each other before I’m able to get an understanding of leadership.
“There’s some fantastic leadership going on but I also need to see the full picture once those boys get in training and get comfortable in training as well.”
Shaun Kenny-dowall led the side at the start of last season in the absence of Hauraki, while new recruit Korbin Sims has had a big impact since his arrival.
The players who have come from elite environments have been more than happy to pass on their knowledge.
“He’s been terrific but it’s not just about leadership from Korbin, he’s just sharing his experiences and some of his methods and what he’s been taught by others,” Smith added.
“He just shares that around. There’s plenty of that. Ryan Hall is doing the same on that account.
“There’s a lot going on there from a lot of them. They’re willing to speak up and help one another and that’s creating a good atmosphere.
“Coaches are always encouraged when they want to help each other and share their thoughts. There’s some good stuff going on there.”
KR head coach Tony Smith and Shaun Kenny-dowall
TONY Smith has told Hull KR’S budding goalkickers that putting in the hard work now could be the difference between starting the Super League season in his side and watching on from the stands.
There is an opening following the departures of Jamie Ellis and
Ryan Brierley, two of five goalkickers used by Rovers in 2020.
Will Dagger was KR’S most successful kicker after nailing 12 from 14 towards the end of the year, arguably displaying the best technique in the process.
Jordan Abdull was used only once late on in the win over Wigan Warriors, while Mikey Lewis kicked two goals in that game in addition to three conversions in the Challenge Cup triumph against Leigh Centurions.
Joe Keyes and Rowan Milnes are among Smith’s other options after impressing when they shared the responsibility at Bradford Bulls.
Aside from Abdull - who appears to be assured of a place when fit - the other four are not guaranteed a spot in Smith’s side.
Lewis, Keyes and Milnes are all vying for a place in the halves, with Dagger another potential option following the return of Adam Quinlan at full-back.
Smith says there could be a route into his team for anybody who can prove their worth from the tee.
“That’s what I say to all of them: if you can kick you may as well be doing it because it might be the little thing that gets you over the line,” the Rovers head coach told the Mail.
“If you’re able to kick better than somebody else it might get you selected. If you can kick goals it’d be crazy not to be practising, that’s for sure.”
Ryan Shaw is an example the current players could follow, with the winger establishing himself as the most reliable goalkicker in Super League during his time with Rovers.
“He did some other good things as well but when you have a goalkicker as prolific as him, it certainly helped him gain some of his selections in some teams,” Smith added. “I’ve got no doubt about that.”
The candidates have had to ease themselves in at the start of pre-season, with Smith and his coaching team conscious of them doing too much, too soon.
Smith is hoping a leading candidate emerges as the competition heats up.
“They’ve taken a few weeks to get themselves to a certain level and standard of fitness before they start swinging their legs through too much,” he said.
“It’s started now and they’re starting to chip away at each session.
“Between each other they’re competing but helping each other at the same time.
“We’ll see that ramp up even more over the coming weeks. But you’ve got to be really careful with some specialised training like goalkicking and not do too much, too quick.
“They need to get to a certain level of fitness before they start to use specific muscles often. It’s making sure we get the right balance on that.
“Over the next few weeks I’d like to see them keep on building it up and we may see a favourite come through.”
Jordan Abdull