Where KR’S outside back options stand for 2022
SMITH HAS PLENTY OF CHOICES
PRE-SEASON is in full swing as Hull KR build towards their first friendly against Dewsbury Rams, on January 21.
Tony Smith has made minor changes to his squad during the offseason and is set to tinker with the backline that helped Rovers secure a play-off spot in 2021.
Lachlan Coote appears to be locked in at full-back but there is strong competition for places among the three-quarters.
Here, Hull Live assesses Smith’s options and where each player stands.
BEN CROOKS
Crooks is a player Smith likes and admires, he played in 19 of KR’S 23 games in 2021.
He contributed ten tries and never shirked the tough stuff but also came up with more errors than any other player in Super League.
Crooks will wear the number two shirt again in 2022 and is the man to shift on the right wing.
■■Verdict: In the box seat but looking over his shoulder
BRAD TAKAIRANGI
The 32-year-old showed only flashes of his undoubted ability last season, not helped by several positional switches.
Takairangi has an opportunity to nail down the right centre spot following the departure of Greg Minikin, with Smith handing him the number three jersey.
A settled and assured Takairangi would be a huge asset in 2022. ■■Verdict: Frontrunner but work to do to make spot his own
RYAN HALL
Some people questioned whether he still had it in him but Hall silenced the doubters emphatically in 2021.
England’s record tryscorer went over 16 times in 21 games to cement his status as one of Super League’s greatest-ever wingers.
With his work out of backfield just as impressive as his finishing, he is one of the first on the teamsheet. ■■Verdict: Automatic pick on left wing when fit
SHAUN KENNY-DOWALL
The skipper dragged his teammates with him at times last season and will surely retain the captaincy despite claims it is up for grabs.
Kenny-dowall was a powerful presence alongside Hall on the left edge, working tirelessly to get his team on the front foot early in sets and proving a handful at the other end.
Kenny-dowall will be 34 when the new season kicks off, but there are no signs of him slowing down.
■■Verdict: Automatic pick at left centre when fit
ETHAN RYAN
The winger has not had much luck over the past year or so, suffering fractured scaphoids on both wrists.
But he is on the road to recovery following his latest operation and has a big role to play in 2022 after featuring only five times last season.
Ryan offers Rovers genuine pace out wide and knows where the tryline is, making him an attractive option to Smith.
■■Verdict: Firmly in contention for right wing spot
SAM WOOD
The former Huddersfield Giants utility man has made no secret of his desire to claim the right centre spot.
Wood was a useful squad player at Huddersfield but was never given the chance to make a position his own.
If he enjoys a strong pre-season, he may just convince Smith to use Takairangi elsewhere.
■■Verdict: Could claim spot in pre-season
JIMMY KEINHORST
This time last year, Keinhorst appeared to be on his way out of Craven Park.
But he never threw in the towel and finished the year playing play-off rugby, a reward for his perseverance and professionalism.
Keinhorst has hinted that he sees himself as a regular in the reserves to help the youngsters in the squad, but his versatility means he will never be far away from Smith’s thoughts.
■■Verdict: Useful squad player WILL TATE
Tate was rewarded for his patience in the closing stages of last season when KR battled an injury crisis.
The 19-year-old went almost a year without playing a Super League game before getting an opportunity at Headingley in the final round, retaining his place for the play-offs.
For Tate, 2022 will be about playing week in, week out as he looks to make up for lost time.
■■Verdict: Regular in the reserves and a good option if injuries strike WILL DAGGER
Dagger once again finds himself understudy at full-back following the arrival of Coote.
Dagger, too, got his chance towards the end of 2021 and did not let anybody down with a series of committed performances. If Coote stays fit, the versatile Dagger’s best bet may be to target the right wing spot.
■■Verdict: Will need to remain patient but has ability to take chance when it comes
PHOENIX LAULU-TOGAGA’E
The teenager is viewed as something of a project by Smith after only one season at professional level in League 1.
It would be a surprise to see Laulutogaga’e make his first-team debut for Rovers in 2022 but he is an exciting talent and will be one to watch out for in the reserves.
■■Verdict: One for the future
MAX KIRKBRIGHT
Kirkbright is highly thought of after captaining the under-19s last season and will gain invaluable experience training alongside the likes of Kenny-dowall in pre-season.
The youngster will get his first taste of senior rugby for the reserves next year as he looks to continue his development.
■■Verdict: One for the future