2023 Season Preview: Hull KR

Ravaged by injuries and a mid-season coaching departure, Hull KR failed to emulate their 2021 exploits last season. The Robins sat in fifth place after 10 rounds but soon fell down the Betfred Super League table as their squad was continually decimated during the second part of the year.

Incoming head coach Willie Peters will take solace in Hull KR's fight and desire when their backs were against the wall last season - the Robins ended the year with a huge away win with a depleted squad against rivals Hull FC. That victory will undoubtedly give them motivation heading into the new campaign and with the likes of 2021 Man of Steel finalist Jordan Abdull returning from injury, as well as some astute signings from the NRL and Super League, they should once again be pushing for the Play-Offs in 2023.

Ins & Outs

Ins

Tom Opacic (Paramatta Eels), Louis Senior (Huddersfield Giants), James Batchelor (Wakefield Trinity), Rhys Kennedy (Brisbane Broncos), Sauaso Sue (Newcastle Knights), Yusuf Aydin (Wakefield Trinity), Sam Luckley

Outs

Albert Vete (Castleford Tigers), Ben Crooks (Keighley Cougars), Will Maher (Halifax Panthers), Korbin Sims (retired), Tom Garratt (released), Brad Takairangi (released), Adam Rusling (Cornwall), Nathan Cullen (Cornwall), Tom Wilkinson (Dewsbury Rams), Charlie Cavanaugh (released), Bailey Dawson (Castleford Tigers)

Ones to watch

2023 stars

Amongst all the inconsistencies at the Robins last season, Matt Parcell was a constant and reliable figure in their side. He featured in 22 Super League games and made his presence known during many of those outings. Parcell's value to the Robins cannot be understated - his ability to guide the team around the middle third paired with a devastating running game from dummy half adds another dimension to Hull KR's attack.

The arrival of NRL front rowers Sauaso Sue and Rhys Kennedy should add more grunt up front in 2023, giving Parcell ample opportunity to build on his six tries, six assists and 11 line breaks in 2023.

Mikey Lewis is fast becoming a star at Hull KR. He continued to show his endless ability in 2022 and was duly rewarded by being shortlisted for the Young Player of the Year award. Although he didn't win the award, it's another important milestone in the youngster's career. It didn't take long for Lewis to remind fans of his talent last season - he crossed for a wonderful solo try during a disappointing night for the Robins in Round 1 against Wigan. 

And he was again selected to represent England Knights during their off-season, leading them brilliantly around the park during wins against France B and Scotland. Lewis has proved that he can handle the ever-growing pressure that comes with the half-back position, and will only get better as he matures in 2023.

Magician ?

Mikey Lewis crosses for @hullkrofficial live on Sky Sports#SuperLeague #BringItOn #SLHKRWig pic.twitter.com/bZzqpLFVTS
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 11, 2022

Next generation

Will Tate has had to patiently bide his time during his short career in the Hull KR first team. Still only 21 years old, Tate has all the attributes to be a success in Super League - he has the size, strength and skill to make a position in the outside backs his own in 2023. When he has been called upon over the past couple of seasons, he has shown that he's capable of competing at the top level. But opportunities have been few and far between so far - although that could all change in 2023.

Defining dates

If Hull KR are to break back into the top six in 2023, they will need to fix up their end of season performances. Their pursuit of a play-off spot could well come down to the final few rounds with the Robins set for several decisive match ups. 

They first host a Catalans side that beat them twice in 2022, before a trip to the John Smith's Stadium the following week. The Giants lost just once at home during the 2022 regular season and will be a challenging prospect for the Robins late on in the year. Willie Peter's side then host Salford in Round 26 - the same round which saw the Red Devils secure their Play-Off spot in 2022.

Squad list

1. Lachlan Coote, 2. Ethan Ryan, 3. Tom Opacic, 4. Shaun Kenny-Dowall, 5. Ryan Hall, 7. Jordan Abdull, 8. Sauaso Sue, 9. Matt Parcell, 10. George King, 11. Frankie Halton, 12. Kane Linnett, 13. Elliot Minchella, 14. Jez Litten, 15. Rhys Kennedy, 16. James Batchelor, 17. Matty Storton, 18. Jimmy Keinhorst, 19. Will Dagger, 20. Mikey Lewis, 21. Rowan Milnes, 22. Dean Hadley, 23. Louis Senior, 24. Sam Wood, 25. Luis Johnson, 26. Sam Luckley, 27. Yusuf Aydin, 28. Will Tate, 29. Phoenix Laulu Togaga'e, 30. Greg Richards, 31. Zach Fishwick, 32. Connor Barley.