Hull KR v Wigan Warriors - Ethan Ryan hopes to continue his sporting education at Hull KR

The winger, who joined in the off-season after a prolific start to his career with Bradford Bulls, faces mighty Wigan Warriors at Emerald Headingley tonight.

Unsurprisingly, Ryan scored after being called up by Rovers for Sunday’s 32-18 loss against St Helens and now retains his place against the competition leaders.

He also crossed on his debut at Wigan in March but his only other appearance was a Challenge Cup game against Leigh Centurions. With Ben Crooks injured, though, he is now looking to make his mark in the coming weeks.

Halifax-born Ryan, 24, said: “It was good to finally get a chance in the team again. It’s been a long old time since I last played due to Covid.

“I was happy Tony (Smith) gave me the nod against Saints and to come up with another try is good.

“As a team I thought we played really well in parts but the second half they ran away with it a little bit and left us with too much to claw back. There’s lots of positives to take into this game on Thursday, though.”

The four-day turnaround is far from ideal but Ryan is not complaining as bottom-placed Rovers seek to end a seven-game losing sequence in Super League.

On the move up to the top-flight, he added: “I’ve learned a lot which is a big part of why I wanted to take that next step and join Hull KR.

“I’m not saying I wouldn’t have learned it down there (Championship) but there’s a lot more experienced players here playing at the top level.

“When you get advice from people like Ben Crooks and Greg Minikin but also Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Kane Linnett, and get to play and train with them, you can get their mindset.

“The game’s a lot quicker but I wouldn’t say as physical – it’s matched in that sense – and it takes adjusting to.

“But hopefully if I can string a few games together now under Tony I can adapt to that.”

Smith rings the changes for tonight’s game to freshen up his squad including bringing in Will Dagger at full-back.

He replaces Adam Quinlan, who needs surgery on the broken wrist he suffered against Saints and will miss 12 weeks, ruling him out for the season.

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James Mitchinson