Rovers’ hits, misses and the frustrating signings
Brad Takairangi and Albert Vete will link up with their new Hull KR team-mates early this week as Tony Smith finally gets his full squad together. Rovers have made six signings since the end of last season and have high hopes for their new recruits.
It is fair to say the club’s recruitment for 2020 was mixed, with the club going on to finish bottom of Super League.
Here, the Mail takes a look at the hits, misses and the players that were left frustrated.
HITS
Elliot Minchella: The versatile forward is the best of the signings based on last season, with the former Bradford Bulls man always scheming in attack and proving himself to be a solid defender.
With the professionalism and work ethic to back up his ability, Minchella is only going to get better.
Matty Storton: There was excitement over Storton’s signing at the time and the young forward did not disappoint after being thrown straight in by Smith.
He held his own against some big names and should be better for the challenges he had to overcome from March onwards.
Ethan Ryan: Whereas Storton was handed his Super League debut in round one, Ryan had to wait until the game at Wigan Warriors in March for his first chance, marking the occasion with a try.
The winger went on to score three tries in four league outings, showcasing his finishing ability before sustaining a season-ending injury.
LEFT FRUSTRATED
Jordan Abdull: The half-back arrived at Craven Park on the back of an outstanding campaign with London Broncos after missing only two games all year.
Abdull’s first year with Rovers did not get going until September after early injury setbacks, which is why Rovers supporters will be praying he quickly overcomes the issues that have currently limited his time on the training field during preseason.
Greg Minikin: Minikin played in KR’S first six games of 2020 before becoming the fifth player to sustain an injury in the match at Wigan.
The former Castleford Tigers outside back scored a hat-trick against the Warriors shortly after his return in September but went on to suffer another setback which rounded off a frustrating debut season.
Matt Parcell: The Australian hooker was left playing catch-up in 2020 after missing the start of the season through injury and then picking up an ankle issue two games into his comeback.
Parcell was more involved after the restart showing his class with a hattrick against Huddersfield Giants - but he will be hoping for a brighter 2021.
MISSES
Jamie Ellis: The signing had the feel of a stopgap solution and so it proved, with the experienced halfback leaving for Leigh Centurions at the end of last season.
Ellis was capable of pulling something out of the bag but came up with some poor plays and was suspect defensively.
Dan Murray: The prop won the young player of the year award in 2019, such was his impact during his loan spell.
But he failed to have the same influence last year, with Rovers not getting enough out of the frontrower to warrant a contract extension.
Kyle Trout: Trout is another player who failed to take his chance after being backed by Smith.
The 29-year-old looked like a potential enforcer at times - most notably when he came up against his brother in the game against Huddersfield - but most matches passed him by.