Elliot Minchella explains his new Hull KR role shift.
Hull KR’s Elliot Minchella thanks the supporter who made the travel to France following their win over Toulouse Olympique.
Captain Elliot Minchella insists his adjusted role at Hull KR is focused on quality over quantity, with shorter first-half stints before returning later in the game.
Minchella, 30, recently offered an open and honest assessment of his form, admitting he is still striving for consistency in what has already been a season full of drama.
However, the Robins have rediscovered their momentum, making it four consecutive wins with a dominant 46-0 victory over Toulouse Olympique at Stade Ernest-Wallon.
Rovers ended Friday evening inside the play-off places for the first time this year, only to slip out 24 hours later after Catalans Dragons secured a home win over Warrington Wolves.
But Willie Peters’ side now sit just four points behind table-toppers Leeds, Wakefield and St Helens.
Minchella, meanwhile, has seen a slight shift in his match-day responsibilities – while he made a try-scoring return in the south of France, having missed the Challenge Cup quarter-final win over York Knights due to a slight hamstring issue.
“I’m trying to have more quality on the field, rather than quantity in terms of minutes,” said the influential loose forward.
“I’ve tended to stay out there longer in the past and probably not been as effective – so making sure that while I’m out on the field, the quality is high.
“It’s probably not been as consistent as I would have liked throughout the year, but that’s the thinking – making sure I go as hard as I can for as long as I can, and then bring the next guy off the bench to maintain that standard before coming back on to finish the game.
“It’s something we’ve talked about, but I think it’s probably for the best. Every game is different though, as well.”
Karl Lawton and Dean Hadley have both filled the role at times this season, although off-season Australian recruit Lawton missed the recent win over Toulouse through injury.
“Dean and Karl are great, and they’re more than capable of doing that job,” Minchella added.
“I think that helps, and gives Willie the confidence to rotate the middle unit as well. It’s only healthy, and it’s good that we have that depth. It’s something we’ve built on over the years, and a good position we’re in now.”