Fantasy League: Hull KR

After showing glimpses of their new and exciting brand of rugby last year, the Robins have injected some much needed experience into their relatively young side. Finishing bottom of the table last year, Tony Smith has made some astute signings in the off season, creating plenty of competition for places across the pitch to strengthen his squad in 2021.

Top performers

Ben Crooks

2020 points: 645 

Crooks was a huge success in fantasy last season – he was the third highest scoring winger despite playing just 12 games in 2020. An impressive 8 tries in his first 6 games last year - including a mammoth 4-try haul in round one - helped Crooks ascend through the fantasy rankings and provided great value for fantasy owners.

It wasn’t just his try scoring that made Crooks a banker in 2020 – the Robins winger made 69 tackle busts, 19 clean breaks and averaged over 130 metres per game. With even more fire power added to Rovers side this year, you can expect Crooks to score well again in 2021. 

Ben Crooks in 2020 🔥💯

Watch all of his tries for @hullkrofficial 👏#SuperLeague #BeReady pic.twitter.com/GR7Pil8Yi6
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 14, 2021

Shaun Kenny-Dowall

2020 points: 625

Kenny-Dowall was an ever present for Hull KR in his debut Super League season, proving to be a consistent scorer in fantasy during a long-winded season. The experienced New Zealand international was most effective with his slick ability to offload and evade tackles. 

He finished the year third in the offload charts and scored high in tackle busts – making 61 throughout the year along with 1581 metres from 212 carries. Kenny-Dowall offers fantasy owners a safe and sure option for points with areas to score even better in 2021. 

Kane Linnett

2020 points: 590

Another of Rovers experienced overseas imports, Linnett enjoyed a solid second season in East Hull. He showed great versatility in 2020 - filling in at centre and second row - and will provide similar flexibility during 2021.

Linnett averaged over 100 metres per game and finished the year high in carries and offloads - something he will no doubt replicate in 2021. His versatility should put him in good stead to play big minutes this season amidst stronger competition for places in the Rovers 17. 

George Lawler

2020 points: 653

Lawler is a hard-working utility forward with a phenomenal work ethic. The Hull born forward enjoyed his sixth season in the red and white last year and is highly revered by players and fans at the club for his workman like attitude and ability to play well above his weight.

His game is built on his solid defence - Lawler completed 438 tackles in 13 games last season. He also made 1226 metres across 2020, contributing to his 50.2 points-per-game average, a great foundation to justify his selection for 2021. 

Elliot Minchella

2020 points: 978

Elliot Minchella offered tremendous value in last years fantasy league. Priced at just 50k - he quickly went from an unknown prospect to a star performer in the Rovers side, excelling in his debut season with Hull KR. Minchella's defensive prowess earned him big fantasy league points during the 2020 season - the loose forward made 538 tackles and 119 marker tackles – those efforts equating to over two thirds of his total fantasy score.

What's more impressive is that Minchella started 6 of his first 7 games on the bench, reducing his minutes on the field early on in 2020. Following a huge second half of the year, he will be hoping to cement a regular starting spot this season, making him a must have fantasy acquisition in 2021.

Two of 2020's best back-rowers go head-to-head on March 27 👀

Dragons v @hullkrofficial live on Sky Sports Main Event & Arena, 5:15pm KO 🙌 #SuperLeague #BeReady pic.twitter.com/3hV8lv9Mqa
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 12, 2021

One to watch

Muizz Mustapha

2020 points: 87

On loan at Hull KR in 2021, Muizz Mustapha will be hoping to build on the 2 appearances he made for the Rhinos in 2020. His 43.5 points-per-game average is a great foundation as he sets his sights on a regular place in Rovers side this year.

Mustapha is a bustling prop forward who will make good metres and defend well when he plays. He will be a dependable and cheaper fantasy option should he get regular game time at his new club in 2021.