Hull KR captain Michael Vella believes the Robins are genuine dark horses for Old Trafford.
Robins skipper wants to bow out on a high
Hull KR captain Michael Vella believes the Robins are genuine dark horses for Old Trafford.
Vella's men can clinch a third consecutive appearance in the Super League play-offs with victory over top-eight rivals Castleford at Craven Park on Saturday in their last match of the regular season.
And, although the winners will be away from home in next weekend's opening sudden-death ties, Vella believes his side have the momentum to go all the way.
"I don't think many teams or coaches will be really looking over their shoulders at us but we've beaten St Helens and Catalans in our last two matches so we believe in ourselves," he said. "We know we can do it."
Farewells
Vella will be among a host of players on both sides - as well as coaches Justin Morgan (Hull KR) and Terry Matterson (Castleford) - leaving their clubs at the end of the season and desperately hoping to extend their season for at least another week.
The 33-year-old Vella, who is retiring as a player, is expecting an emotional time but is grateful for the chance to say his goodbyes after being denied that opportunity at his only previous club Parramatta.
"I didn't know it was going to be my last game at Parramatta because I signed for Hull KR in the close season," recalled Vella, who joined the Robins for their first season in Super League in 2007.
"I didn't get to say goodbye to the fans or have a send-off at all, which was disappointing.
"Now I can say goodbye to the fans and have my family with me. Running out with my children will be a massive thing for me.
"My wife was pregnant when we came over and all three children were born here so it will always have special place in my heart."
The occasion will be even more special for Vella because his mother Joanne has flown over from Australia to witness his final home match.
"My mum went to all my games in Australia and always listens to the games on the radio," he said.
"She's always supported me, as has my father, so it's good to have one of them here. My parents came over in 2007 after the birth of my first child and in 2010 after birth of my third child."
Tough
Castleford have a chance to ruin his party but Vella believes the momentum is with his side at the most important time of the year.
"It will be tough game," he said. "They're looking to make the play-offs and so are we.
"We've built a lot of momentum over the last two months and we're looking to keep that going.
"They've had a bit of a patchy back end of the year and we believe, if we play to our best in front of a home crowd, we'll get the two points."
