WE WON’T G0 ROVER THE TOP
Hull KR will stay humble vows boss Smith
TONY SMITH has laughed off suggestions that surprise package Hull KR already think they’ve won the Grand Final.
But the Rovers coach insists his perennial strugglers are enjoying the play-off ride and plan to stay in the hunt for glory.
Smith said: “We would love to give ourselves a chance because when you get into knockout rugby league, surprises can happen. If it happens it would be a massive boost for the club and all the supporters who have been loyal to us and haven’t had much to shout about for a few years.
“But we’re still quite a few games off that. We are not getting carried away but the players have faith and belief in themselves.”
Rovers’ next opponents are city neighbours Hull, away on Saturday, and Hull owner Adam Pearson has already been whipping up the rivalry.
He said: “We’re watching all of the noises coming out of Hull KR at the moment – they think they’re going to win the Grand Final and they’re running away with it.
“Well, we’re going to find out if that’s the case next Saturday. They’re in the frame for a play-off spot, so it’s going to be a spicy occasion.”
But Smith, whose side lie fifth and two places higher than Hull, refused to rise to the challenge.
He said: “Adam is a great bloke and I understand what he is doing. People like to hype it up but I am a bit different.
“I think class and being top drawer and entertaining is what people want to see.
“None of us in our camp is spouting off about winning the Grand Final. We are more down to earth than that.”
Rovers finished 11th in the last two years and haven’t finished higher than seventh for 12 years.
But Friday’s win over Wigan, completing a double over the Warriors, has shown they can mix it with the best this year.
And they’re also doing it in style, with a blend of daring eyecatching rugby.
Smith said: “It is great to entertain the crowd, not only our own fans but people outside the club and the sport.
“Other sporting organisations say how much they enjoy watching us and I’m really proud of that.
“It’s important for rugby league to be entertaining and attract not only our own supporters but people from other sports. That is really crucial.”