Matt Parcell hopes to steer Hull KR to safety – despite Mitch Garbutt’s driving
Hooker loaned out by Leeds says having to put up with pal on the road is the 'down side' of move
MATT Parcell is ready to steer Hull KR to safety, even if it means putting up with pal Mitch Garbutt’s driving.
The hooker has been farmed out by Leeds, officially on loan but he will not be back at the Rhinos.
He made the perfect start by helping his new club beat neighbours Hull FC, sending his parent side to the bottom of the table until Sunday.
Now he is determined to keep them on course to salvation, with next week’s battle at Headingley already circled in the calendar.
Even though another former Rhino who takes him to and from training does leave a bit to be desired.
“That’s the negative about it,” joked Parcell. “I’m having to put up with Mitch’s driving.
“That’s despite him getting a lot better after he moved over!”
Parcell is already feeling the love at Rovers, not least after scoring one try and making another on his debut in the derby win on the back of just one training session.
Just having the backing of coach Tony Smith is something he felt was lacking at Leeds. He admits the final table will decide whether that was right or not.
And as he heads to Wigan tonight, he revealed he already knew some of what to expect after watching pals Garbutt and Danny McGuire on TV.
The Australian, 26, added: “Last week was pretty crazy – I had 24 hours to learn everything - but it was all worth it.
“It may sound a co-incidence but with Mitch and Danny playing for them, I watched Hull KR whenever they’ve been on TV and picked up a few bits.
“That backing was missing at Leeds. Speaking to Tony, he’s the type of coach I want to play under. He’ll back me 100 per cent.
“At Leeds, coaches had the way they wanted to go – whether that’s the right way or the wrong way, I guess we’ll find out later.
“I just felt there was more of an opportunity here. Leeds were pretty straight with me about that and it wasn’t great.”
Meanwhile, Hull have lined up a move for Kiwi powerhouse Manu Ma’u.
The 30-year-old, who has played for both New Zealand and Tonga, is set to leave NRL side Parramatta at the end of the season.
And it is believed the back-rower has been lined up by the Black and Whites for next season.
Boss Lee Radford has already brought in star three-quarter Mahe Fonua, St Helens’ Adam Swft and Salford’s Josh Jones for 2020.
But it is understood Ma’u, who carries out youth counselling alongside playing, is also on his shopping list.
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