Matt Parcell reflects on injury and Hull KR’s prospects in 2022

Matt Parcell was key to Hull KR’s success in 2021 until his season was ended prematurely through injury. On the back of that he has told the club website about his response to the injury and what he believes Hull KR must do next year to continue their development.

The hooker is a former member of the Super League Dream team having been named at number nine in 2017 Dream Team after a superb season. The then Leeds hooker set a new record for tries in a season from a dummyhalf that year as the Rhinos went on to be crowned Super League Champions.

It seemed he would go on to cement himself long term at Headingley but in the summer of 2019, the hooker featured in a swap deal for Shaun Lunt as Leeds looked to open up a quota spot in order to bring in Rhyse Martin and Rob Lui.

Since making the switch, Parcell has rediscovered his best form under Tony Smith and has formed a superb relationship with fellow hooker Jez Litten. However, his absence during the play-offs left Litten having to play more minutes at the end of last season following an injury at his old stomping ground Headingley.

Reflecting on how his season ended, Parcell said: “It was a disappointing way to end the season after playing all those games earlier in the year only to then miss out on the finals.

“I knew straight away – I just went to reach out for a tackle and felt my pec (pectoral muscle) go. It wasn’t good, but the surgery went well so I’m getting stuck into the rehab now. It’s all progressing as it should be and we’re pretty happy with it. Hopefully, I’ll be joining skills training in the coming weeks. Then in the new year, heading into full contact if all goes well.”

He also noted exactly what Hull KR will need to do if they wish to build on the foundations put in place last season.

The Robins finished sixth last term despite the fact many believed they would face a relegation scarp. Now the arrival of Lachlan Coote and others mean expectations have risen going into 2022 and Parcell believes Hull KR will need to start fast next term: “Obviously, we want to start the season well, We want to prove ourselves. Last year we were an underdog story and no besides our camp was expecting us to do well. 

“Next year, teams are going to be expecting a lot more from us so we’ll have to come out firing. Everyone knows that and we’re all working hard to be better than last season and I think we’re progressing really well.”

For the full interview check out the club website to see what Parcell had to say about disruptions about the pandemic and his relationship with Jez Litten.