Hull has seen a significant shift in power, with Hull KR now leading their neighbours FC in West Hull. Tony Smith, the former Black and Whites coach, was largely responsible for much of the present success and has since disclosed the outstanding player the Robins acquired “on the cheap.”
From 2019 until the middle of the 2022 season, Tony Smith was the Hull KR coach. During that time, he guided the Robins to their first-ever Super League playoff semi-final—the first of many that the team has since made.
Even though it didn’t work out, Hull KR made progress under Tony Smith, thanks in large part to the foundation he laid at Craven Park, which included the addition of NRL player Shaun Kenny-Dowall.
Tony Smith has recently disclosed that Hull KR acquired the former NRL winner “on the cheap.” The former Kiwi international joined the team in 2020, played 93 games for the Robins, and is currently contributing to the development of the team’s young players.
Speaking during the Hull FC vs. Leeds Rhinos pregame broadcast on Sky Sports, Smith discussed his experiences in both half of the city, including Shaun Kenny-Dowall’s entrance. He highlighted the centre as an example of how Hull KR has become experts at recruiting elite players, as seen by the incredible seasons that recent recruits Peta Hiku, Tyrone May, Kelepi Tanginoa, and Niall Evalds have had.
Hull FC will be hoping that new players like John Asiata can help them turn the tide on recruitment, as Smith indicated that getting just one star like Kenny-Dowall can assist.
“I was lucky enough to get Shaun Kenny Dowall over at my previous club, Hull KR, before this one,” he stated.
He played a significant role in the development of the culture that resulted from their turning the corner on it and making it much more attractive. He also bought into the idea that he wasn’t coming for huge financial gain, but rather to come here at the conclusion of his NRL career to leave a legacy and make a difference.
“I was lucky enough to get Shaun Kenny Dowall over at my previous club, Hull KR, before this one,” he said.
He was a major contributor to the creation of the culture that emerged from their turning the corner and improving its appeal. He also accepted the notion that his goal in coming here at the end of his NRL career was to leave a legacy and make a difference, rather than to come for significant financial benefit.
