No relegation should improve Super League quality, says Hull KR’s Tony Smith

The Rugby Football League ruled last month that no team would be promoted or relegated in 2020.

Smith feels that with the threat of the drop removed, players, especially those playing in sides towards the bottom end of the ladder, will begin to play with more freedom.

“I am hoping that we see some of the best rugby league we will have seen for some time,” said Smith.

“There is nothing to lose, everybody has got nothing to lose so they may as well go for it.

“I am expecting some of the best rugby league because there is no relegation.

“There isn’t that threat and fear of doing things wrong and that is what we normally have to deal with at the back end of seasons.

“It affects a whole lot of people and the style of rugby league that is played.”

Smith is close to finalising his team selection for Saturday night’s encounter. The former Leeds Rhinos and Warrington head coach is keen to give the Robins’ 11 out-of-contract players a fair chance to stake a claim for a new deal.

“Those boys who are out of contract will get a fair opportunity, if they deserve to and have all trained well and they all deserve it at the moment,” added Smith.

“The boys who are on contract have got some understanding of that and they are being supportive. I know every one of my players would have loved to have been selected this week because it has been so long since they played.

“But there is a fair bit of acceptance from the guys who have missed out.”

Three players who will not feature are Greg Minikin, Harvey Livett and Anesu Mudoti as they continue their respective recoveries from injury.

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