We’ve lost confidence, it has nothing to do with Tony leaving - Halton
KR STAR EXPLAINS WHY PLAYERS ARE STILL BACKING SMITH
Frankie Halton insists Tony Smith has the full backing of the Hull KR squad despite their recent and alarming downturn in form.
The Robins are currently on a three-match losing streak, with many Rovers supports blaming Smith’s unexpected departure announcement as the catalyst for the club’s current dip in form.
But Halton is adamant that Smith still has the complete backing of the club ahead of today’s clash against Catalans Dragons.
“We are fully focused on Tony,” Halton told the Mail.
“The boys are 100 per cent committed to him, and everyone’s prepared to knuckle down and get back to winning ways this weekend.”
Halton was also quick to shut down any speculation that the Rovers coach has lost the dressing room and was straight to the point about the team’s feelings towards the current coach.
“Tony brought me over to the club, and everyone is digging in for him. I’ve seen speculation about him losing the dressing room, and honestly, that’s rubbish.
“The club is still buying into him,” he continued.
“However, we have just lost our confidence and can quickly get that back this week, but it’s got nothing to do with Tony leaving.”
Halton was quick to praise his current head coach and thanked him and his backroom staff for bringing him over to the club from
Featherstone Rovers last year.
“Tony and the three backroom staff members have all had a hand in my progression so far,” he said.
“I’m grateful they allowed me to take my chance and get some game time at Super League level, and I’m ready to get back out on the pitch this weekend and add some fresh legs into the side.”
The forward also stated that he hadn’t been in contact with Smith’s successor Willie Peters, who will take over as head coach at the end of the year, but insisted his focus solely lies on finishing the season on a high for Smith.
“Willie Peters hasn’t contacted anyone yet, but we will focus on Willie and 2023 next year. This season is all about getting back on track this weekend and playing for Tony,” he said.