Top three Hull KR
Last updated: 14th February 2008
Morgan: Top three aspirations
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In 2006 Hull Kingston Rovers were playing in rugby league's National Division One. Last season they finished one spot above an instant return to that league. It wouldn't be unfair if the club was targeting a season of consolidation in the Super League and perhaps a push for the play-offs in 2008. Not a chance.
Having spent the off-season adding some big-hitters to his squad, and releasing a fair few players too, coach Justin Morgan has set out the targets for this year, and he feels that with a bit of luck, the top three isn't out of the question.
Morgan told Sky Sports' Boots 'n' All that with the quality of players he has been able to bring in, Hull KR should be aiming higher than the top six.
"I have said all along that I want to make some progress and with players like Chev Walker and Clint Newton in the squad, we are going to be competitive most weeks," he said.
"If we can be competitive and also keep our players on the pitch, we will be competitive for the top three.
"We'll need an ounce of luck and every club this year will want to make some progress but I think we are going to need a little bit of luck if we are going to climb way up the ladder.
"We will get to the halfway point, see where we are at and make some definitive goals at that point."
Victory
Rovers are one of two clubs to have already played two matches this season and, after a tight defeat to Leeds on the opening weekend, Morgan's men pulled off a stunning win over St Helens in their round two clash.
Morgan believes the opening fixture against Leeds helped them against Saints and he was impressed with the way his new look team performed.
"We had only had one friendly pre-season, so the game against Leeds put us in really good stead against St Helens," said Morgan.
"Two very tough games to start the season for us but we were certainly in the mix in the Leeds game and came up with the points against St Helens, so we are obviously very pleased.
"It's a scalp that we didn't expect to get and we are very grateful that we have got the two points.
"In the first 40 minutes we were very, very good with the ball in hand, which is nice. Shaun Briscoe, Chev Walker had some good touches and Jake Webster got over the whitewash a couple of times and we are starting to come together."
Endorsement
Australian-born Morgan believes that not only will this be a good season for his club, but for the fans and the game in England in general.
He said: "We've got some improvement to do in ourselves as well and over the next couple of weeks we are going to see some great rugby league.
"It is a great advertisement for Super League that most of the teams, on their day, can beat anybody else so I think we are in for a fantastic competition.
"A lot of grey hair for us coaches but a good spectacle for the fans."
