Hull KR great Mike Smith sees similarities with legendary side as Willie Peters' men chase glory

The Robins, who were relegated in 2016 and finished bottom only four years ago, lead the way in Super League with three rounds remaining.

Rovers are close to securing a home semi-final in their bid to reach Old Trafford for the first time and face Wigan Warriors on Friday night in a potential League Leaders' Shield decider.

KR fans of a certain age have not had it so good since the 1980s when Roger Millward's legendary team delivered the club's most successful period.

The majority of the club's loyal supporters have never had it so good.

A key member of the last Rovers side to win a major trophy in 1985, Mike Smith is enjoying the ride as a fan himself.

"I'm just riding the wave," said KR's record appearance-maker, who scored 140 tries in 489 games between 1975 and 1991. "It's been absolutely tremendous.

"The players have got an affinity with the fans. East Hull is a really close community and it's brought them even closer together.

"The players know what it means to the club. We've been through the bad times and now we're coming again.

"We're probably a year or two ahead of where we thought we were going to be. The way we're playing at the moment, the team is full of confidence and hard to beat."

The Robins have already guaranteed their highest-ever Super League finish thanks to an eight-match winning run that has featured notable victories at Warrington Wolves and St Helens.

Willie Peters' men – losing finalists in last year's Challenge Cup final – must take the next step to be considered a champion team but they share some of the qualities that made Millward's side a formidable force, according to Smith.

"There are similarities," said the Hull KR Hall of Famer, who attends every game as club president.

"We were built on defence really. That's what Roger was very keen on, especially going away from home.

"Willie is really keen on the fitness levels and you can see that in the way they finish games.

"They're all good footballers and seem to have blended in well – the forwards and the backs. Ryan Hall has been a revelation since he joined the club and some others are playing above expectations.

"Willie has improved them as a group."

KR's defence has won them games and their attack has determined the margin of victory, leaving Peters' side with the best for and against in the competition after 24 rounds.

Captain Elliot Minchella sets the tone defensively and livewire half-back Mikey Lewis is the maverick every top team needs.

Some fans even view Lewis as the closest Rovers have come to finding another Roger Millward, a player so good the club retired the number six shirt in his honour.

"He does share qualities but he's probably got a little bit more cheek than Roger," said Smith.

"He's one hell of a player. He's very, very strong now. He seems to have put a few pounds on physically and is busting through tackles.

"Roger was more about putting people through gaps and he was a bit more creative.

"Mikey has got that about him and will only get better as he gets older – but he's got to prove it year on year."

Lewis and his team-mates stand on the brink of greatness with two trophies up for grabs in the final month of the season.

Smith never imagined it would be this long between drinks when he won the Championship for the third time with the Robins 39 years ago.

"When you think of the amount of good players that have gone through the club, it's absolutely unbelievable really," he said.

"I bump into supporters and they keep comparing it to the sides of the past when we played.

"It feels like we've got that momentum behind us. I can't see any weaknesses in us at the moment.

"We're in a healthy position off the field as well so things are really looking up at the moment.

"Let's hope it's going to be a great year for us. It's nine-tenths over but we've still got to finish it off."

Defending champions Wigan – a team that have a habit of peaking at the right time – are a major obstacle between Rovers and their dreams.

Smith, though, is backing KR to end their long wait for success.

"I think we can," he said.

"We're certainly prepared for it through the hard work at the beginning of the year. The training is tailing off a little bit because the games are becoming a little bit more physical.

"I don't think we're going to burn out because of the work we put in during pre-season.

"It would be massive physiologically to get one over on Wigan at their place. It can be done and Willie has put that belief into the side.

"Our catchphrase is to believe. It's all about what happens on the day but we'll go in with a lot of belief. I think we can do it."