There’s a well worn manager/head coach trope that is common parlance in pretty much any sport where there’s a league competition to challenge for. You know the one, the old “we’re not looking at the league table” quip.
I don’t ever believe anyone who says that! Even after the opening game fans are looking at where their team sit in the table, so once a season is properly up and running it’s near on impossible to avoid at least having a cursory glance at the league standings. Doing so right now will certainly bring a smile to the face of anyone associated with Hull KR.
The Robins have sat top of the perch since the opening weeks of the campaign and while there’s every chance they start Saturday night’s game at home to Huddersfield Giants dethroned and in second place, the look of the league table could be even better come the end of round 11.
Those last four words are key and should be considered in what follows, given there is still just under two thirds of the regular league season to play over the next four months. However, there’s every possibility Rovers will end the weekend with a two point lead at the top of the table, but perhaps even more important is the fact they could be five points clear of third place.
I say perhaps because some supporters may have the league leaders shield in mind when considering second-placed Wigan Warriors’ game at home to third-placed Leigh Leopards. Others will have the advantage of being five points clear on third and therefore looking very strong for a home berth in the play-offs as the most important, with ultimately returning to the Grand Final and then winning it the priority.
Regardless of your stance, a return of 20 points from 11 games would put Willie Peters’ side in a commanding position at this stage of the season and helps build on the confidence that everyone has worked so hard to foster since those first days of pre-season.
First Rovers need to ensure they win. Hull FC’s surprise defeat to Huddersfield Giants at Magic Weekend proved the west Yorkshire club are not there to be walked over and Rovers will have to approach them with respect and the correct attitude to get the game won.
The Giants will be a different outfit to the one that was easily swept aside 50-4 by the Robins in round six at the John Smith’s Stadium. Adam Clune’s return is massive for the Giants, who could well give a first run out to ex-Rovers man George King after his injury problems. Huddersfield head coach Luke Robinson may still have troops missing, but his side are looking stronger with each week and while massive underdogs, they’ll look to cause an upset at Craven Park.
What offers so much confidence around Rovers is not just that Arthur Mourgue’s return and Noah Booth’s presence give options to aid the club’s own centre/back-row woes at the minute, but mainly that this is a side who have shown week in and week out they have a champions mindset when it comes to finding a way to getting the job done. I see no reason that doesn’t continue this week.