Hull KR coaches' in-tray as pre-season starts featuring new signings and coaching evolution

Hull Kingston Rovers are back in pre-season this week - with most senior players due in from Thursday - and the aim will be improvement. Having been on an upward trajectory for some time, culminating in a second-placed finish and Grand Final, it will be a tough task. But, being fourth favourites with SkyBet in both the League Leaders' Shield and Grand Final betting, silverware, and the chance to become celebrated rewriters of history, is a realistic target again. Here is a look at six key issues that should be in the coaches' in-tray as this year's pre-season starts.

Strengthen fitness levels

Hull KR have been a generally fit team, and a repeat in 2025 or better will be valuable, looking at times recently when they prevailed in games that were long-time arm wrestles and when they also lasted the distance in terms of being competitive in latter stages. After breaks and time abroad for many players, the challenge now will be to help raise their physicality and endurance level in the coming months ahead of the new season, while solidifying mental toughness. And the players must be guided to embrace the challenge to become best versions of themselves.

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Get mentality right

Losing in the Grand Final is a painful way to finish 2024 despite how well it had gone before so they need to turn any lingering hurt into motivation for 2025 and learning rather than it having a hangover effect. Those with elite mindsets react to set-backs with resilience, strength and hunger rather than negativity, weakness and deflation. Winning was a habit that they know they can have again, and the fact it took them to Old Trafford against Wigan on the brink of the greatest domestic glory while earning respect, means belief should be there that something special is potentially not far away.

Find one percenters

Turning good into great is the next step for Hull KR, which they have been threatening to do in recent times - and marginal gains can make the difference here, so it is a task for the staff to try to find those from within their group. And that applies to what is being produced as a collective, not just in individuals, and off the pitch as well as on; focusing on attention to detail and outputs. Some percentages can be expected to improve based on what has been done already - such as recruitment of an expert goal kicker - but development can also be found in unexpected areas, such as Mikey Lewis' all-round evolution this year.

Integrate new signings

There are different types of signings in different positions with different features, who have to be fitted in for the benefit of the group as a whole, and contributing to its chemistry and culture. Whether it is experienced players bonding with men they are going to set an example for, or up-and-coming players who would benefit from guidance from senior pros, there are relationships - on and off the field - that must be forged. While creating a stronger squad and competition for places, those on the fringes must also be managed well too and looked after, physically and mentally.

Maintain youngsters' development

Salary caps and budgets can be tricky to manage and evolve, and long-term considerations are needed, so it would be beneficial to have more depth and increased serious competition caused by young players developing. There are youngsters at Rovers who have been knocking on the door of the first team in the recent past and, if they can stay in the mix, that can only be healthy for the club. There has not been a harder time to break in during the Super League era but several players aged 21 and under are promising and have tasted high-level rugby already.

Evolve coaching set up

Hull KR are blessed to have men on their coaching staff who are so experienced in high-level rugby, playing and coaching, and their experience, knowledge and insight need to be used as effectively as possible. Danny Ward has been a top-level head coach in his own right so him taking on board more responsibilities will be no drama. Shaun Kenny-Dowall has already been a transition development coach for some time now - a modern role, more seen in Australia - so him stepping up in responsibility should also be exciting.

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