Hull KR coach James Webster has insisted that captain Terry Campese has a part to play for the club both this year and beyond, despite his latest injury setback.
Campese will miss the rest of the season after suffering a serious hamstring injury during the Robins’ recent game against Wigan.
It is the second year in succession Campese’s season has been brought to a premature end due to injury, but Webster told League Express that he will come back stronger and be a key player for the club again – both off the field this year and on it in 2017.
“I feel sorry for the bloke,” Webster said.
“I’m sure knowing Campo the way I do, he’ll get over it and he’ll come back stronger.
“He’ll have a huge role to play this year. He’s surprisingly upbeat despite the obvious disappointment, and he’ll be excellent helping guys like Matty Marsh and Maurice Blair.”
Campese still has a year left on his contract, and talk has intensified of a potential early departure. But Webster was quick to deny that was the case.
“Going forward I’ve no involvement in that type of discussion – but nobody has indicated anything to me other than he’ll still be at the club next year.
“Nobody has said anything different to me.”
On the field, Webster confirmed that Maurice Blair will likely return to the halves for Friday’s game against Warrington – and the Robins coach hinted that any new recruits may not be immediately forthcoming.
“Maurice will get the nod this week – he was brought in as a backrower but he’s played a lot of his games in the halves.
“He was great in his previous spell at stand-off earlier this season and we’ll go with him for the Warrington game.
“The club understand we’re a bit light in some areas; if we can get someone who’s available then we’ll have a go, but where are those players at the moment?
“Everyone’s in a similar position of trying to keep hold of their best players before the split, which makes it tough, but my job as coach is to concentrate on what I have.”
And ahead of the game against Warrington, Webster conceded it is a must-win game if Hull KR are to scramble their way into the top eight.
“We need to win three more than Widnes,” he said.
“It goes without saying it’s huge, this weekend. Warrington are a great side but we can hold our own against anyone.”
This article was originally published in League Express, get your copy in stores every Monday or online at this link every Sunday evening.
