Smith’s selection dilemmas
TONY Smith is close to finalising his squad for the 2022 Super League season as Hull KR get ready for a February start.
Rovers will begin their preparations for the new campaign in earnest next week when the senior members of Smith’s squad report back to Craven Park.
Here, the Mail takes a look at the selection questions Smith must answer before the big kick-off.
Abdull’s half-back partner
The Robins may be down to three specialist half-backs following the departure of Joe Keyes but they are undoubtedly in a stronger position heading into 2022.
Jordan Abdull and Mikey Lewis both took their game to the next level this year, while Rowan Milnes proved he has what it takes to unlock Super League defences.
The smart money is on Abdull and Lewis picking up where they left off but Milnes will have something to say about that during pre-season.
Minikin’s replacement
Smith chopped and changed at right centre throughout 2021 but Greg Minikin was first choice when everybody was fit.
Minikin’s move to Warrington Wolves therefore creates an opening that several players are capable of filling.
Brad Takairangi appears to be the frontrunner to fill the void but centre is Sam Wood’s preferred position and the new man will be sensing an opportunity in pre-season.
Right wing concern
Ethan Ryan has been left cursing his luck again after being told he needs surgery on his most recent wrist injury.
The winger was in the first group that reported back to Craven Park on Monday and had a chance to nail down the right wing spot with Ben Crooks recovering from a shoulder operation.
But, like Crooks, Ryan now faces a race against time to be fit for round one, which could mean Smith turns to Wood, Will Tate, Will
Dagger or Jimmy Keinhorst unless he decides to dip back into the transfer market.
Stick or twist at right second row
There was little continuity on the right edge throughout 2021, although Luis Johnson made a good fist of nailing down the second-row spot on that side, starting 18 of KR’S 23 games.
He is the man in possession but Smith does have other options in Takairangi, Dean Hadley and new boy Frankie Halton.
Finding his best combinations on the right edge will be one of Smith’s biggest challenges heading into the new campaign.
How to get more out of middles
Rovers held their own in the middle most weeks in 2021 but there is plenty of room for improvement. Aside from George King and Matty Storton, who have established themselves as cornerstones of the KR pack, there are no guarantees.
A big pre-season for Tom Garratt and Greg Richards could convince Smith to make a change up front at the start of 2022.