Hull KR chief Tony Smith "frustrated but good" in Covid isolation spell

The Australian is nearing the end of his enforced absence which has seen him absent for defeats to Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity as well as this Thursday's derby against Hull FC.

With the Robins having lost seven of their last eight games and fallen back down to bottom of Super League, it is far from ideal.

Smith has reported no symptoms and said: “I’m feeling good. Frustrated but good.

"I want to be able to help my team out more in a time when it’s needed.

"To not have the coach there is tough for the boys and it’s tough for me as well.

“I’ve had two negative tests, I’ve got no symptoms. I’m sitting at home seeing my team perform not so well and unable to help them is tough.

“It’s frustrating at the moment, but it is what it is and I’ve got to play by the rules.”

He has received a boost with news hooker Matt Parcell is fit to resume against Hull after a thumb injury.

Captain Weller Hauraki, former NRL Grand Final winner Kane Linnett, industrious forward George Lawler and ex-Bradford Bulls second-row Matty Storton are also back in the 21-man squad with many having been rested for Sunday's heavy loss at Belle Vue.

Jamie Ellis, Dan Murray and Kyle Trout are the ones who drop out after featuring in that defeat while Hull have named a strong side, too, with Great Britain second-row Josh Jones hoping to make his first appearance since contracting Covid in August.

He has been suffering with after-effects but is deemed fit enough to be in the 21-man squad as is Jordan Lane who also returns having missed the last two matches due to the virus.

Full-back Jamie Shaul is facing nine months out, though, after it was confirmed he ruptured an ACL in the recent win over Castleford.

The England international, 28, is out of contract at the end of this season but Hull had made him an offer for 2021 and they say they will honour that.

On the two-time Challenge Cup winner, FC interim head coach Andy Last said: “We are all really disappointed with the news, none more so than Jamie.

"But as a club we will ensure he gets the support and medical care he needs to help him through this period.

“I’m really pleased for him that the club have stood by their offer which will give him some peace of mind and security, which will enable him to focus fully on his recovery.”