A fourth-placed finish and four players in the Super League Dream Team - 2009 proved to be a superb year for Rovers.
Dobson still the key for Robins despite arrival of three new faces
The Robins bobbed into the top eight last year only to suffer back-to-back losses in the play-offs- can they remain Hull's top dogs for another season and how serious are their financial concerns?
Last season
Having finished seventh in 2008 they ended the last regular season in fourth, though they failed to manage a win in the play-offs - losing firstly at Leeds and then suffering a home loss to Wigan.
The back-to-back defeats meant it was a disappointing finish to an otherwise impressive season that included away victories at St Helens, the Warriors and also Challenge Cup winners Warrington.
At one stage the Robins managed seven wins on the spin and it was no surprise to see four of their stand-out performers included in the Super League Dream Team.
Australian forwards Ben Galea and Clint Newton, in particular, excelled in the pack, both in attack and in defence to help Rovers finish with a points difference of +134.
Ins and outs
The playing squad has remained largely the same, with just three new faces being drafted in following some heavy spending in previous off-seasons.
Matt Cook is a versatile acquisition from Bradford while utility back Michael Ratu has been signed from defending champions Leeds.
With Josh Hodgson, 20, making the short switch from city rivals Hull FC, Rovers have added a trio of players still yet to reach their prime years.
Those players released also suggests an effort has been made to get younger. Experienced prop Nick Fozzard has gone back to St Helens while Daniel Fitzhenry has rejoined Wests Tigers.
Makali Aizue and the evergreen Stanley Gene have headed to Halifax, making Ryan Esders the only player to leave under the age of 30.
However, the major news in the winter has been the state of the Robins' finances - it was hardly an early Christmas present to the club's fans to find out on December 24 that Rovers made a loss of around £450,000 during the last term.
Outlook
Rovers will want to maintain bragging rights in the city of Hull, as well as qualify for the play-offs for a second successive year.
Their fortunes perhaps depend largely on Michael Dobson, their influential half-back. The 100 goals he managed were important enough, but he is more than just a machine-like kicker, as backed up by his 21 assists.
Paul Cooke was linked with a move away but remains a Robin, though he will find himself battling to retain the stand-off berth under pressure from the promising Chaz l'Anson.
Winger Peter Fox also enjoyed an excellent season, scoring 18 tries and making plenty of metres. His season ended with a try for England in the Four Nations final against Australia, though it proved to be in a losing cause.
With plans to redevelop Craven Park, these are interesting times both on and off the pitch for the plucky Robins, who have one of the most highly-rated coaches in the competition in Justin Morgan.
Phil Clarke's one to watch - Liam Watts
One of the exciting group of young players that Morgan has in his first team squad for 2010. A 19-year-old prop who has already had a brief taste of Super League action.
He spent the second half of 2009 on loan at Gateshead playing against hardened front rowers at places like Barrow, Widnes and Toulouse. Watch him mature under Morgan's guidance and keep an eye out for a nice little offload.
