How Rovers could look in 2023 with new signings
PACK AND BENCH SEE UPGRADE
AS much as the primary focus of everyone involved with Hull KR is pushing for a play-off spot at the back end of the year, it’s hard not to look ahead at what the side will be like under Willie Peters.
Especially when the future Rovers head coach recently revealed that Tom Opacic, Rhys Kennedy and Sauaso Sue will all be playing in Red and White from 2023.
All three recruits improve this Rovers side for different reasons.
Opacic prides himself on defensive efficiency, and the Parramatta Eels outside-back will slot straight into the right centre role and will likely partner up with Ethan Ryan.
It will be interesting to see how Ryan works alongside an established
NRL centre.
With Opacic set to sign on a threeyear deal, it gives the pair plenty of time to grow into a formidable pairing like their opposite flank with Shaun Kenny-dowall and Ryan Hall.
Of course, it’s all about keeping your best 17 fit, which is always a struggle in a contact sport, but as it stands, on paper, the Robins forward pack and interchanges will receive the most significant upgrade going into next year.
With a full year of Super League experience, Frankie Halton will be a shoo-in to earn a first-time squad number under Peters and could link up with Kane Linnett in the back row.
Matty Storton should be given the nod to keep setting the platform with George King down the middle, as the pair will now have avid replacements waiting to carry on the momentum they create in the opening spell.
Moving on to the interchanges, it’s clear to see Rovers could have an intimidating bench in 2023.
Jez Litten will carry on duetting with Matt Parcell at dummyhalf, with the impending trio of James Batchelor, Rhys Kennedy and Sauaso Sue proving some sizeable impacts off the bench.
There’s also Sam Wood, Luis Johnson, Tom Garratt and Jimmy Keinhorst, who will all be pushing for a start as well, with the squad depth of the Robins also bolstered due to the four future transfers. They’ll be arguments about who should start and who is named on the substitute bench among the club’s supporters until a ball is kicked next year, but one thing for sure is that Hull KR’S side in 2023 is coming along nicely as the Willie Peters era creeps ever closer.
POSSIBLE HULL KR LINE-UP IN 2023: Lachlan Coote, Ethan Ryan, Tom Opacic, Shaun Kenny-dowall, Ryan Hall, Mikey Lewis, Jordan Abdull, George King, Matt Parcell, Matty Storton, Kane Linnett, Frankie
Halton, Elliot Minchella
BENCH: Sauaso Sue, Jez Litten, Rhys Kennedy, James Batchelor