More than two decades ago Australian Treasurer Paul Keating famously declared that the 1990s recession was the “recession we had to have”. Since then the Australian economy bounced back and has enjoyed continuous growth and stability.
Borrowing from Keating, Hull KR’s relegation from Super League last year might have been the “relegation it had to have”. That heart-breaking loss in the Million Pound Game on October 1, 2016, in golden point to Salford shook the core of the club. It was a bitter blow, a massive challenge to overcome, and a knock to senses of all staff, players and fans.
But the way the whole club has reacted to that dramatic day and revamped itself has been simply remarkable. Just under 12 months since the Robins shipped two tries in the final two minutes, and then went down in extra-time, they are back in Super League. Hull KR has met the obstacle of promotion with both hands, embraced it and succeeded.
It all started with the appointment of Tim Sheens as head coach, even before their relegation from the top flight. The master-coach has given the club stability, class, experience and a cool pair of heads in the top job. There is little in rugby league the veteran Aussie hasn’t seen and overcome. Sheens’ capture was a statement to supporters who have thrown their support behind their team.
Under the Australia recruitment for 2017 was key. Hull KR’s 2016 roster was bloated and had little depth. The Robins need better contributions from their overseas imports and Albert Kelly was sacrificed in the pursuit of team harmony and building a better culture. Relegation gave them the chance to cut the dead wood.
Of the 17 players who took the field last year against Salford, only nine are still at Craven Park. Jordan Abdull, Jamie Ellis, Nick Scruton, Danny Addy and Chris Atkin have been crucial additions from Super League and the Championship. Australians Adam Quinlan, Andrew Heffernan and Kieran Moss have provided strike out wide. A focus on young talent with potential was identified. Then veterans Mose Masoe and Justin Carney gave the team a boost late in the season when it was most needed.
Perhaps the most crucial move was keeping Shaun Lunt. The hooker and skipper has led from the front memorably. The 30-year old is vastly experienced after his time with Workington Town, Huddersfield and Leeds. He has helped kept this team united and grounded, often carrying out the key play to score a try or win a game.
As long-time Hull KR fan David Hooper puts it, Lunt’s contribution has been essential: “If Lunt left we’d have had half the optimism at the start of the season when everyone bought their seasons tickets early. What a season he’s had too.”
Hull KR was treading water in Super League until relegation hit. It needed a wake-up call.
Hull KR’s head of rugby Jamie Peacock admitted to the BBC: “I think the club had been on a slow decline for five or six years, relegation was the final point of that. We’ve rebuilt the club from top to bottom, on field and off the field. I think we’re in a strong position to go at Super League. We know the difficulties of Super League, it’s a big step up from where we’re at. But I think we’re very well-placed to be able to make a good shot of not being in the Qualifiers next year and being in the Super 8s.”
Relegation allowed them to rebuild and refocus. The result has been impressive.
“Next season, we’ll have them younger guys a year hardened, experienced, integrated and hopefully fully sold on the club,” Hooper says.
“A good signing in Danny McGuire, Masoe is staying on and a probably a couple of surprises. We’ll be going into the season so fresh and excited, it definitely will be fun.”
The Robins are bobbing along in East Hull once more.
