Parcell latest key Robins star to fall victim to injury jinx
HULL KR hooker Matt Parcell faces up to nine weeks on the sidelines after sustaining an ankle injury against Huddersfield Giants.
The Robins are already without long-term victims Weller Hauraki, Adam Quinlan and Jordan Adbull for Thursday night’s outing against Castleford Tigers while Robbie Mulhern and Harvey Livett are also sidelined.
Head coach Tony Smith admits that the squad is feeling the impact of the injuries to key men but insists KR need to “get on with it” as they aim to topple in-form Castleford at Hull College Craven Park.
“We’re having our fair share of injuries to experienced players in key positions at present and that is unfortunate as it really does impact on momentum, both individually for the players involved but also collectively for us as a team,” said Smith.
“They have each been very similar injuries in nature but we’ve studied how they were sustained and they have just been cases of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Former Leeds Rhinos star Parcell had recently returned to action after being sidelined since last July.
“Without doubt it is disappointing and tough for Matt personally,” added Smith. “But I know he has the right character and approach to deal with it.
Off the field, Rovers chief executive Mike Smith has announced he will leave the club at the end of May.
Smith, 58, says he firmly believes the time is right for ‘a fresh approach’ at Hull KR, where he has worked for a decade.
“I’m incredibly proud of how the club has developed over the 10 years I have been in the role, particularly off the field.”