SMITH’S DOOR OPEN TO NEW KR RECRUITS
BUT HEAD COACH IS HAPPY WITH HIS CURRENT SQUAD
HULL KR head coach Tony Smith is still on the lookout for potential recruits but insists he would be happy to go into the 2022 Super League season with the squad currently at his disposal.
Rovers benefited from continuity this year, claiming a play-off place after making only six additions during the last off-season.
The Robins are adopting a similar approach as they plan for 2022, so far adding half a dozen players with six going the other way.
To complement the signings of Lachlan Coote, Sam Wood, Frankie Halton, Tom Garratt, Phoenix Laulutogaga’e and Greg Richards, KR have promoted Daniel Okoro, Connor Moore and Max Kirkbright from the academy.
The return of reserve grade will ensure regular game time for each member of Smith’s squad in 2022, which should leave him with a queue of players match fit and ready to go in contrast to this year.
Rovers are therefore happy to bide their time and wait for an opportunity to arise.
That patience paid off last year when the swap deal involving Robbie Mulhern and Luis Johnson allowed the club to complete their move for Brad Takairangi.
There is no suggestion that the Robins need to let a player go to bring one in this year but Smith admitted the stars would have to align again.
“I won’t say the door is absolutely closed but we’re not far off it,” he told the Mail.
“There may be one or two little developments. Only maybe if the right person comes along in the right situation who would add strength and more depth to us. “I won’t say I’m not still looking but at the same time if we have what we have now at the start of the season I’m happy enough.
“I’d certainly be happy enough working with this group and feel like we can compete pretty well.”
Coote is KR’S headline signing for 2022, although the fans may have to wait a little longer to see him in action after he underwent a shoulder operation that makes him a doubt for the start of next season.
Rovers have room in the budget for further recruitment but Smith has ruled out another signing of the calibre of Coote.
“Only if we feel they’ll add depth and quality to us,” he reiterated.
“There’s always things happening in rugby league so I’ll never say never, unless there’s just no scope whatsoever. We’re getting close to what our spend can be so it would have to be in a certain sort of category as well.”