Abdull admits to "lucky" Hull KR role despite frustration at lack of minutes

18 September 2023 , 18:29

988     0

Hull KR's Jordan Abdull (Image: PA)

Frustrated Jordan Abdull will happily play bench man - especially if it means Hull KR surge to Old Trafford glory.

The one-time England international finds himself in an unusual position as the Robins prepare for the Super League play-offs. Stand-off Abdull is usually the fulcrum of Willie Peters’ side, the coach who labelled him "world class" earlier this year. But, since returning from a three-month hamstring injury that threatened to end his campaign, he’s only managed to secure a replacements’ role - and he's been coming on as a ball-playing loose forward.

After suffering the injury against Catalans in mid-June, and with Aussie full-back Lachlan Coote also forced into early retirement, the East Yorkshire club brought over Canberra half-back Brad Schneider on a short-term deal. He's been a revelation, helping fire the Robins to Wembley - where they narrowly missed out on Challenge Cup success against Leigh - and up the Super League table. Schneider joins Penrith in 2024 but for now Abdull - shortlisted for Man of Steel two years ago - is having to play second fiddle.

He said: “I’m not getting the minutes I’d want. But that’s testimony to the way that the boys are going. The spine is doing really well and the team is working really hard for each other. I’m lucky at the moment to be getting some minutes off the bench and I’m under no illusions that I’m lucky to be getting into this team. I have to keep working hard and keep adding to the group as the group is going well.”

Abdull came off the bench in Friday’s 12-0 win over Salford which secured their top-six spot. Limited to just 11 games all year having also suffered a quad issue, he hopes to make his third successive appearance in Friday’s final round at bottom-placed Wakefield before Rovers face Cup conquerors Leigh in an elimination play-off. On dealing with his bit-part role, Abdull insisted: “That’s sport for you.

Gay rugby league referee lifts lid on how coming out affected officiating career

“At the minute, I’m asked to do a different role but it’s something I’m happy to do. If that’s what gets the team wins, what else can I ask for? If we get to a Grand Final in three weeks’ time does it matter if I’m on the bench? Probably not. As long as we’re there and we lift the trophy.”

Hull KR's Jordan Abdull has had to change his role (PA)

With dynamic scrum-half Mikey Lewis also able to play full-back, Peters now has plenty of options in his spine. Back-up hooker Jez Litten, who debuted for England earlier this year, is also available to come back into the 17 after being omitted against Salford. But it's difficult accomoding a second nine and half-back on any bench so Abdull, who scored a try after coming on at No13 in his comeback game against Huddersfield, knows he has to make an impact whenever he gets his chance.

And having fallen in the Super League semi-finals to Catalans in 2021 and missed Wembley due to injury, Abdull’s “desperate” to get to help KR to a maiden Grand Final. Ahead of Friday's trip to Belle Vue, he said: “It’s nice having now got the play-offs secured. It’s not very often you can go into a game without needing a result so much. We’re guaranteed to stay fifth but we’re aiming for fourth - and a home play-off - so there’s still a bit of pressure.

"We know we’ll be preparing for two weeks time. That’s not taking away anything from what’s coming on Friday but it’s good to know the plan now moving forward. We can build on what we’ve been doing the last three or four weeks and take it into Wakefield."

Trinity, of course, suffered relegation for the first time in their Super League history after Friday's agonising 20-19 Golden Point extra-time loss at Leigh. It will be difficult for them to lift for their final outing especially after forwards Jai Whitbread and Kevin Proctor both picked up one-game bans from that last outing so miss the clash.

But Abdull insisted: "We know they will have a crack. No team turns up and doesn’t want to play rugby league. We’re here to play. They’ll have that competitive edge. They’ll be disappointed they are relegated but I fully expect the best Wakefield side on Friday and they’ll be looking to give something to buy season ticket passes next year."

David Craven