Hull KR coach Tony Smith says the club’s recent flurry of recruitment will prove pivotal in the Robins’ pursuit of a brighter future.
A triple swoop of Albert Vete, Ryan Hall and Korbin Sims has added experience and quality to Smith’s young side, with their arrivals supplemented by the loan acquisition of Muizz Mustapha from Leeds Rhinos.
The arrival of the NRL trio injects much-needed experience into the Robins’ squad, but Smith insists it is their characteristics as players that will be of most benefit to the club going forward.
“It’s a huge part of what we’re looking to do moving forward,” said Smith.
“Their experiences at other clubs played a big part in us wanting to recruit them.
“We have a good culture going with a really good positive outlook within the group.
“If we can improve on the foundations we laid this year that will be the key and those boys will help us.
“You look at Ryan Hall and the programmes he’s been involved with and they’re among the best in the world.
“I spoke to Trent Robinson about Ryan and he just fits the bill perfectly for what he’s done and still has to offer. I know the Roosters would have liked to play him more.
“He’s still got a lot of Rugby League in him and a lot of knowledge and he’s come from great cultures. The same is true of Albert, who has been in a strong environment at Melbourne and that’s an attraction for us, because we want to build that ethic into our club.
“Equally important is that they’re buying into what we’re doing here in terms of rebuilding the club and turning our fortunes around. They realise it won’t be an overnight thing; we haven’t sold them a dream that’s not there but being involved in a rejuvenation can be an exciting venture.”
Smith has also paid tribute to new CEO Paul Lakin after his early contributions to the club.
“Our landscape has changed recently with Paul coming in as CEO; there’s been some changes and I have the utmost respect for what Mike Smith has had to go through and to get us through particularly during this tough year. But having some new and fresh leadership is probably right for everyone at the club.”
The above content is also available in the regular weekly edition of League Express, on newsstands every Monday in the UK and as a digital download. Click here for more details.
