Richards’ honest pack verdict and belief in KR’S returning stars
PROP SAYS THEY CAN’T AFFORD TO DWELL ON THE DISAPPOINTING PAST FEW WEEKS
HULL KR player Greg Richards is under no illusions that Hull KR need to get back firing, but believes key returnees can help them rediscover form.
The prop forward admitted his side has come off second best in recent weeks, but ensures his teammates are prepared for the challenge this Saturday against Catalans Dragons and will welcome back returning duo Frankie Halton and Elliot Minchella with open arms.
“Of course, we will welcome them back with open arms,” said Richards.
“We all know what Elliot (Minchella) brings to the side with his workload and skill level, which is fantastic for the middle of our team. Frankie (Halton) started the year fantastically. His stats speak for themselves. His tackle efficacy will add a lot to our squad.
“It’s not going to flick a switch and make us win games, but it certainly helps to have the pair back, which will give us a much-needed boost.”
Richards was honest about how he and the rest of the Rovers pack were faring in recent weeks after coming under scrutiny from supporters and the media.
“Obviously, we’d like to be performing better. We want to be dominant in more games, for sure,” he said. Castleford got over the top of us far too easy last week,” Richards admitted.
“But if we turn back to a few weeks before our dip in form, we were the side dominating the ruck, so we know we have it in us. We just want to get back to that point.
“We have it in is, I’m pretty sure. We’ve been talking this week, and now I know what these lads have in them. At the moment, this isn’t us, and we know that. We need to get back to were we was a few weeks ago and I believe we can.”
The former Grand Final winner finished his media duties by previewing this weekend’s fixture against Catalans Dragons and was honest about how his team saw the reverse fixture back in March and what Rovers must do to pick up the two points.
“They are a fast, physical team. Very big and a team we needed to control early.
“When we played Catalans last time, we matched them physically and were disappointed not to get the win.
“We know we’ve got plenty to work on from the last few weeks,” Richards admitted. “But, one thing we must do is dominate their pack to give us a chance this Saturday. We have to use the fans to our advantage. Our home games are fantastic. The atmosphere the Rovers fans build definitely gives us an advantage.”