When searching for a way to sum up James McNicol’s visibility as part of the new fast-turning Hull KR machine, unassuming and inconspicuous would likely be the words out of any Rovers’ supporter’s mouth. That speaks perfectly not to the board member’s input but his approach to life as one of the most important men at Sewell Group Craven Park, yet one of the least visible..
Over a weekend that nobody associated with Hull KR will ever forget everyone at Rovers was given their chance to step into the spotlight or was name-checked either at Wembley Stadium or on top of the balcony at Hull’s City Hall. Players, coaching staff, club owner Neil Hudgell, chairman Paul Sewell, even East Hull’s legendary kit man Bonesy got his deserved moment with the trophy.
One man who you’ll not have spotted was board member, lifelong Rovers supporter and a man described as “one of the most important figures at Rovers, without question.” And yet, for all the importance of James McNicol’s contribution to Rovers’ return to the winner’s circle, he remains an almost enigma to supporters and general rugby league viewers alike. It’s exactly how the Oil broker likes it.
Now in his third season as a member of the Rovers board, he grew up obsessed by the Robins and with a close insight into the club through his father and chairman Colin McNicol. Leaving East Hull behind to make his name as a major worldwide player in the oil business, McNicol returns home when possible from his London home, quietly going about helping transform the fortunes of the Robins.
In part he’s done it by spending some of his own fortune, investing what is understood to be a sizeable amount of money into the squad and coaching staff where his responsibilities lie, but he’s not there to simply open a chequebook, with his business acumen and Rovers knowledge described as key.
“Without James’ investment or his presence on the board, we’re not where we are now, simple as that,” a Rovers insider tells me as I endeavour to discover how big a role the London-based father of four has at the club.
A regular at Hull KR home games, McNicol attends as many matches at Craven Park as possible and comes to Hull for board meetings, but in a life that takes him from London to Singapore and Huston, Texas, following the Robins from afar is also part of his existence.
Changing time zones seems to do little to impact his contribution to the KR WhatsApp group with fellow board members or with head coach Willie Peters, with that relentless approach that makes successful businessmen more than evident in a drive to ensure his beloved Rovers are also the best in class.
For Peters, McNicol is a key ally and someone the head coach holds in very high regard. “He has made a significant contribution to us winning the Challenge Cup,” says Peters, with no sense of hyperbole.
“I was involved with the Rabbitohs, where they had good people involved in the club, but to take it to that next level, that’s when Russell Crowe came on and took over. He just took the club to the next level in every way and that is similar to James.
“I look at James as our Russell Crowe type figure. I’ve taken the club up to another level, as well as the other board members. But certainly James needs to get some recognition for what he’s contributed to this club.”
While the likes of chairman Paul Sewell focusses on infrastructure, McNicol’s focus is on the playing side, working closely with chief executive Paul Lakin and Peters on recruitment and facilitating everything Peters needs to build and maintain a squad that can challenge for trophies. While recruitment decisions rest with Peters and Lakin, McNicol is described as also having had a telling impact in that area.
“He’s never wanted recognition for it but we’re not in his position if James doesn’t come on board,” adds Peters, reinforcing what others have said of McNicol’s impact.
“He doesn’t want to be known as someone who’s making a significant contribution to the club. He likes to be in the background, but I think it’s important for us as a club to recognise him and for the fans to recognise him. To know that he’s been a major part of helping us achieve what we have and what we continue to do.”
While Peters paints a good picture of McNicol’s approach and happiness to stay firmly in the background, one Wembley story sums it up even better.
Rather than take his place in the royal box at Wembley for the Challenge Cup final-win, it was McNicol who hosted the class of 1980 reunion of ex-players and their loved ones, hosting the large gathering in his own box and watching his beloved Rovers win, alongside his family and his extended Rovers family, away from the cameras and attention.