Hull Daily Mail

Aggression up front and edge strike: KR’S opening line-up?

- By JAMES O’BRIEN james.obrien@reachplc.com @jamesobhdm

Hull KR have concluded their off-season business, barring an unexpected turn of events. Rovers have made six signings and will hope to keep their key men on the field in 2021, something they have struggled to do in recent times.

Here, the Mail takes a look at how KR could line up in round one.

Full-back: Adam Quinlan

The Australian is KR’S undisputed number one when fit and a full season of Quinlan would make a world of difference.

Wing: Ben Crooks

After scoring 11 tries in 12 appearance­s and showing his value in general play either side of injury setbacks in 2020, Crooks will be hoping for a bit more luck this year.

Centre: Shaun Kenny-Dowall

It was a tough first season in Super League for the New Zealander and he will be desperate to showcase his talent in 2021.

Centre: Greg Minikin

KR did not see the best of Minikin last year due to injuries and he is another with plenty of motivation heading into the new season.

Wing: Ryan Hall

The England winger looks in great shape and should make a big difference at both ends of the field.

Stand-off: Jordan Abdull

Abdull is recovering well from a minor knee operation and will need to be firing on all cylinders when the season begins in March as KR’S most senior half-back.

Scrum-half: Mikey Lewis

The youngster will be looking to see off competitio­n from Joe Keyes and Rowan Milnes before making the scrum-half position his own.

Prop: Albert Vete

The former Melbourne Storm prop is a big addition to the pack and the sort of player Rovers have been crying out for.

Hooker: Matt Parcell

The Australian can be devastatin­g behind a dominant set of forwards and Tony Smith will be hoping his new-look pack can provide a strong platform for his two hookers.

Prop: Korbin Sims

Sims will add size and aggression to the pack, which will be needed from the start in round one to give the Robins the best chance of starting the year with a bang.

Second row: Brad Takairangi

Arguably the pick of KR’S offseason signings and a real strike weapon, whether he plays in the centres or the second row.

Second row: Kane Linnett

There is a strong argument for leaving the Australian at centre but a switch to the back row would leave Rovers with an impressive starting pack.

Loose forward: Elliot Minchella

Minchella ran Linnett close for the Player of the Year award in 2020 and is only going to get better.

Bench Jez Litten

The 22-year-old made exciting progress last year and will push Parcell hard for the number one hooking role.

George King

The no-nonsense prop is another good addition to the squad that started 2020 and could be an unsung hero for KR next season.

George Lawler

Lawler’s experience should get him the nod over the equally versatile Luis Johnson, with the 25-year-old a good option to have on the bench.

Muizz Mustapha

Smith is likely to go with at least two recognised props among his interchang­es and the aggressive Mustapha could get the nod, which would be tough on Dean Hadley and Matty Storton but they will both have important roles to play in 2021.

 ?? STEPHEN GAUNT ?? Hull KR head coach Tony Smith
STEPHEN GAUNT Hull KR head coach Tony Smith
 ??  ?? Albert Vete CAMERON SPENCE/ GETTY IMAGES
Albert Vete CAMERON SPENCE/ GETTY IMAGES
 ?? RICHARD LONG/ NEWS IMAGES ?? Matt Parcell
RICHARD LONG/ NEWS IMAGES Matt Parcell
 ??  ?? Ben Crooks
Ben Crooks

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