You are in > manchester.com  > News > Morgan 'heartened' by new blood

Rugby League

Morgan 'heartened' by new blood

05/12/2007

Hull Kingston Rovers head coach Justin Morgan has said he is pleased with the team's preparations for the upcoming 2008 Super League season.

A number of new players have been brought in over the off-season, including Shaun Briscoe, Daniel Fitzhenry and Chev Walker, and Morgan is keen to incorporate them into the setup as quickly as possible.

After successfully avoiding relegation last season, Rovers face a challenge to maintain their Super League status next year and Morgan believes good pre-season preparation is vital to their cause.

"The players are training really well and are being put through their paces well by our conditioner Billy Mallinson," said the Hull KR coach.

"The team spirit is high and the players are bonding well with the new faces that we have brought in which is especially heartening to see.

"It's going to take some adapting, too, with the amount of players that we have turned over since the end of last season so it's pleasing to see this is already taking place."

Despite being among the favourites for the drop in 2008, Morgan says he is "looking forward to the season that will be upon us in no time at all".

"Before that we are looking forward and ahead to our pre-season camp in Portugal," he continued.

"This is an important time of year for all clubs and we are no different. It will be when all our squad and coaches are together and we can really get stuck into preparing for the exciting season ahead."

Hull KR begin their campaign with a difficult trip to reigning Super League champions Leeds Rhinos before hosting last year's grand finalists St Helens.