Season Preview: Hull KR

Dubbed the entertainers of Betfred Super League, Hull KR’s 2021 season was a stark contrast to the one it followed. The Robins found themselves 80 minutes from Old Trafford after making the Play-offs for the first time since 2013, nilling Warrington Wolves away from home in their opening Play-Off eliminator. They shocked many in the rugby league world whilst putting down a huge statement of intent across Super League.

Tony Smith’s transformation of Hull KR has been nothing short of superb. The Robins flamboyant and free-flowing attack earned them plaudits countless times during the 2021 season. Jordan Abdull was magnificent and duly recognised as a Man of Steel finalist. The experienced Kane Linnett was a deserved inclusion in the Dream Team and Mikey Lewis demonstrated his immense talent, lighting up Super League in his breakthrough year.

There is a real feel-good factor at Hull KR and the signing of three-time Grand Final winner Lachlan Coote reinforces the upward trajectory the club are on. They certainly won’t be dark horses this season and expectations will be raised both in and outside of the club. Tony Smith is the maestro that makes the team tick and they will be full of confidence as they approach the 2022 season.

Ins & outs

Ins:

Lachlan Coote (St Helens), Sam Wood (Huddersfield Giants), Frankie Halton (Featherstone Rovers), Greg Richards (London Broncos), Phoenix Laulu-Togaga'e (Keighley Cougars, loan return), Tom Garratt (Dewsbury Rams).

Outs:

Greg Minikin (Warrington Wolves), George Lawler (Castleford Tigers), Adam Quinlan (released), Owen Harrison (Dewsbury Rams), Anesu Mudoti (Keighley Cougars), Joe Keyes (Halifax Panthers), Muizz Mustapha (Leeds Rhinos, loan return), Tom Whur (Rochdale Hornets, loan).

Ones to watch

2022 stars

The Robins new number one Lachlan Coote is a winner. He helped transform St Helens into a Super League juggernaut and has stocked up on Grand Final rings since arriving in the UK. His move to Hull KR was met with excitement from Robins fans – and for good reason. Coote is a full-back with all the assets to make Hull KR go up yet another level in 2022.

His rugby knowledge and nuance will compliment Hull KR’s extravagant attack – his ability to control the game should free up Jordan Abdull and Mikey Lewis to do what they best. His presence will be invaluable off the pitch as well – Will Dagger and Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e the beneficiaries of playing under one of the competitions best full-backs. Coote’s arrival at Hull KR will certainly make the club an even stronger force in 2022.

Half back Mikey Lewis' decisive Play-off try against Warrington Wolves perfectly encapsulated his talent. His something-from-nothing try was indicative of his characteristics as a player – a confident, off-the-cuff maverick. His value to Hull KR was underlined after the club secured his long-term future during the off-season – a new 4 year deal was his reward after a superb showing in 2021. 

It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Lewis last season, either – after starring for the Robins in the early rounds, he was sent to York on loan to sharpen up some of his defensive frailties. Lewis duly obliged and returned better for the experience, determined to cement his place in the halves. This year, he will only get better. He exudes confidence and under the guidance of Tony Smith can only improve. Expect even more from Mikey the Magician this year.

Next generation

18-year-old Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e made an immediate impression in Championship 1 last season, picking up the competition’s Young Player of the Year award whilst on loan at Keighley. Returning to Hull KR ahead of the new season, the young full-back will revel in the presence of the Robins new number one, Lachlan Coote. 

Laulu Togaga’e is a raw talent – he showed glimpses of brilliance during Hull KR’s pre-season friendlies as he looks to progress his career at the club. Tony Smith has worked wonders during his time in East Hull and has nurtured the young stars coming through the ranks, so Laulu-Togaga’e is in safe hands. Although he's not expected to be a regular feature this year, he may get a shot at some point throughout the season. Regardless, he will thrive under the guidance of the senior members of the squad and be a star for years to come. 

Defining dates

Hull KR face several challenging away trips during the 2022 season. They make two trips to Toulouse in April and July, as well as two trips to the home of the Champions, St Helens, first in June and then August. The Robins' first trip to Toulouse comes during a tough Easter Period - a Rivals Round clash against Hull FC on Friday 15 April is quickly followed by the trip to Toulouse the following Monday 18 April. And, just a month before that, they make their first trip to France to face League Leaders, Catalans Dragons - a team that beat the Robins on four occasions last season.

2022 squad

1. Lachlan Coote, 2. Ben Crooks, 3. Brad Takairangi, 4. Shaun Kenny-Dowall, 5. Ryan Hall, 7. Jordan Abdull, 8. Albert Vete, 9. Matt Parcell, 10. George King, 11. Dean Hadley, 12. Kane Linnett, 13. Matty Storton, 14. Jez Litten, 15. Luis Johnson, 16. Korbin Sims, 17. Elliot Minchella, 18. Jimmy Keinhorst, 19. Will Dagger, 20. Mikey Lewis, 21. Rowan Milnes, 22. Will Maher, 23. Ethan Ryan, 24. Sam Wood, 25. Greg Richards, 26. Tom Garratt, 27. Frankie Halton, 28. Will Tate, 29. Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e, 30. Charlie Cavanaugh, 31. Connor Moore, 32. Daniel Okoro, 33. Max Kirkbright.