HULL KR: Morgan – My squad is stronger than last year

HULL KR coach Justin Morgan insists the club will start next season stronger then they were in 2009.

The Robins have signed three new players for the 2010 campaign in Bradford's Matt Cook, Hull FC's Josh Hodgson and Leeds youth product Michael Ratu.

But having released experience pros in the likes of Stanley Gene, Makali Aizue, Nick Fozzard and Daniel Fitzhenry, some have questioned the strength of Morgan's squad.

KR remain in the market to strengthen further before the start of the season in February, with Brisbane's Joel Clinton remaining the prime target.

But Morgan maintains he would be comfortable with his present squad, and admitted to being frustrated by suggestions his squad has been weakened.

"I think we are a stronger squad than last season and I can highlight that by comparing the squad this time last year to now," Morgan told the Mail.

"Back then we had four or five players that had never played Super League.

"Even Kris Welham had only played one or two games, so you would have put him down as a rookie.

"Now we have only one or two in the squad who haven't played Super League, but we have a number of people who are pushing for more positions, and I like people who are multi-skilled."

Despite concerns the club has recruited players with less experience than those leaving, Morgan says he has been happy to invest in potential.

And he expects his young stars to push senior professionals at the club throughout the campaign.

"We have recruited a bit on potential yes, but at the same time we are expecting them to be involved," he said.

"Michael Ratu is a very gifted player who has played Super League and has lots of potential.

"Josh Hodgson has had a bit of a taste of Super League and has been in and around a full-time environment before, so he know what is required.

"Matt Cook is the most experienced out of them all, and then we have brought Liam Watts back from loan and we are expecting big things from him.

"Scott Spaven has come back flying at training and Scott Taylor is going to put some real pressure on the back row to be involved at some stage.

"When you compare this time last year to now you feel more satisfied than if you gloss over it, as perhaps some people have been doing.

"I am confident that our squad has more depth than it has in terms of experience and it has improved this year."