Nathan Cayless unfazed by Super League uncertainty as he gets to work at Hull KR
New Hull KR head coach Nathan Cayless is relaxed about beginning pre-season without knowing where the starting line is or even how many teams will compete in Super League in 2027.
The Cayless era will officially get under way next week when the bulk of the KR squad report back to Craven Park for a winter of hard work.
With some clubs already back in training, uncertainty over the make-up of Super League and the start date for next season means nobody knows how long those preparations will last.
London Broncos are expected to join an expanded 15-team competition, necessitating an earlier start in January, yet those plans are still weeks away from being finalised.
Questions have been raised about the organisation and professionalism of the competition but Cayless has no such concerns as he sets out in Super League.
"We'll deal with it when it's decided," he said during his first press briefing as Rovers boss on Friday.
"The Super League is a very professional competition. It's high standard. It's high level. It's a good standard of footy. It's different but that's the beauty of it.
"For me, the excitement to get the opportunity to come over here and coach in the Super League is one that I'm very excited about. I can't wait to do that.
"In my dealings with the club, the board, the players – they're professional. They're super professional.
"I know a lot of other coaches that have coached here in the Super League that have come over from Australia. I know a lot of coaches and players that are playing at other teams at the moment. The competition is professional."
Cayless accepts clubs are having to plan around an uncertain timetable but insists it is something they must simply adapt to.
"Everyone's in the same boat," said Cayless. "You just get on with it.
"You can't control those things. All I can control as a head coach is how our staff are prepared and how well we prepare the players.
"If we start end of January, we start then. If we start mid-February, we start then. But I'll be ready."
Cayless is unconcerned about the size of the competition, preferring to leave those decisions to others.
He does, however, see a potential benefit in the revised schedule, with every club expected to receive two byes.
Asked whether he was comfortable with a 15-team competition, Cayless added: "Twenty-five teams, six teams. I've got one team to look after.
"I think the advantage of starting early is each club is going to get two byes. It's going to be very handy for everyone, particularly our team."