2023 Season Review: Hull KR

Hull KR returned to being silverware contenders on two fronts in 2023.

Led by new coach Willie Peters, the Robins made the final of the Betfred Challenge Cup, where they took eventual winners Leigh to golden point extra-time before Lachlan Lam's decisive contribution.

Many teams - winners and losers - have then suffered a post-Wembley hangover and at that stage Hull KR sat outside the top six.

But after losing at St Helens the following week, Peters' side won their last five regular season matches to climb to fourth in the table and book a home play-off clash - a significant improvement on 2022's eighth placed finish.

This was all achieved despite the fact that two men who would arguably have been seen as Peters' key players at the start of the campaign, Lachlan Coote and Jordan Abdull, each played fewer than half of the season's matches due to injury, with new recruit Sauaso Sue and winger Ethan Ryan two others to miss signifiant spells.

Coote was forced into early retirement due to persistent concussion issues, but the Robins shrugged off all those losses in impressive style.

A hat-trick for Shaun Kenny-Dowall and that will surely seal it ?#C4League | #SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/JV8wC4I6Lh
— Channel 4 Sport (@C4Sport) February 18, 2023

The year started with wins over Wigan and Salford, before three straight defeats hit Hull KR's early progress.

But that sparked a run of six consecutive victories, including a record-breaking 40-0 Good Friday derby win over Hull FC that will live long in the memory of the red and white army.

"The zero is more pleasing than the 40," Peters reflected. "At the end, we were saying chase the zero.

"I'm proud of the club, we handled the week well, and there were people in tears. That's what it means."

When St Helens were beaten at Craven Park the following week, Peters' side were rapidly becoming talked about as potential challengers, something that was reinforced in knocking Salford out of the Betfred Challenge Cup.

That secured a semi-final clash with Wigan at Headingley, where mid-season recruit Brad Schneider's golden point winner - a week after he did the same thing on the same ground against Leeds - booked a first Wembley return since 2015.

"I've only known the kid a couple of weeks but I know how calm and composed he is," Peters said of the Australian playmaker.

"He's a true half-back. He managed that game perfectly at the back end and he's only going to get better and better for us."

Unfortunately for the Robins their ability to emerge victorious from golden point showdowns ended three weeks later at the national stadium, but not before they had played their full part in a modern classic of a final, Matt Parcell's late try taking the game to extra time.

"We spoke before the game having no regrets around effort and competing, and I think they all did that," Peters said.

"We are disappointed but it's time to push for the finals now. It won't be hard for this group, with their character, to bounce back."

Peters' words proved prophetic.

Among their closing five wins was Wembley revenge over the Leopards, 52-10, and gritty, important victories against Catalans, Huddersfield and Salford. Fourth place was then secured on points difference thanks to a crushing final day triumph at Wakefield.

Champagne Rugby League ?

Kane Linnett is the latest Robin on the scoresheet as they lead 46-4 ?#SuperLeague #SLHKRLei pic.twitter.com/jWi1kR9kLG
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 25, 2023

The Robins had major contributors right across their squad, led by skipper Shaun Kenny-Dowall who had another tremendous season at centre and was selected in the Betfred Super League Dream Team.

Tom Opacic proved the perfect foil on the other side of the field, while Ryan Hall rolled back the years on the left wing, combining outstanding finishing with a typically high work rate.

In the playmaking positions Schneider proved an excellent acquisition to cover Abdull's absence, while Mikey Lewis again enhanced his growing reputation with a host of top displays.

Hookers Parcell and Jez Litten interchanged effectively throughout the year, and in the pack stand-outs included James Batchelor, George King, Elliott Minchella and Kane Linnett.

With the club also continuing to push forward off the field, and the match day experience earning widespread praise, the future in East Hull looks as bright as in recent memory.

Key man

Shaun Kenny-Dowall's status as one of Hull KR's most popular overseas recruits has been cemented with another season of consistency and commitment for the Robins. The former Sydney Rooster skippered the side and proved a leader on every front, carrying the ball with intent and defending superbly to bely his 35 years. His May announcement that this season would be his last was greeted with some disappointment but mainly admiration for an outstanding career.

Rising star

It's easy to forget that Mikey Lewis is still only 22 years old, such has been his impact since breaking onto the Super League scene. But he remains one of the competition's youngest playmakers despite his increasing influence on the Robins, whether he's playing at fullback or in the halves. 

Quick of mind and feet, Lewis was rarely better than when steering his side to Wembley in their memorable semi-final win over Wigan. And to top off a fantastic year for the young halfback, he broke through onto the international stage - playing a key role in England's test series triumph against Tonga.

Season highlight

Some would say reaching Wembley or making the Super League play-offs was the 2023 high point for Hull KR - but for the Robins faithful it doesn't get much better than winning 40-0 at your city rivals on Good Friday.

Sensational @hullkrofficial score ?

Domination from the Robins live on @SkySportsRL Arena ?#SuperLeague #SLHulHKR pic.twitter.com/l4c92yHwms
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) April 7, 2023

Their record romp at the MKM Stadium not only silenced the home crowd but marked Willie Peters' side down as one to watch for the entire season.