'Honoured' Hull KR captain Michael Dobson 'staying till 2014 - at the least'
HULL KR's new captain Michael Dobson is honoured to be following in predecessors Mick Vella and Ben Galea's footsteps.
Dobson is the Robins' third skipper in the Super League era and hopes to lead by example.
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Hull KR skipper Michael Dobson and pals.
The 26-year-old acknowledges he won't be the most vocal of captains and intends to let his rugby do the talking.
"It's a massive honour to follow in Mick and Ben's footsteps," Dobson told the Mail.
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"I've learned a lot from them both in the years I have played with them. They both led by example and I intend to do the same as captain.
"I don't think I'll be big on speeches and instead let my actions on the pitch speak for me.
"Hopefully I can be an example off the pitch like Ben as he was the ultimate pro."
The announcement comes amid speculation linking Dobson with a cross-city move to Hull, leading to chairman Neil Hudgell stating he was 'not for sale at any price' earlier this week.
"I'm glad the issue has been put to bed," Dobson said.
"I was in Australia and I heard the rumours. I can assure Rovers fans I'm not going anywhere. Until something comes from the club, I'm here until the end of the 2014 season at least."
Dobson was the natural replacement for Galea, who was released by Rovers at the end of last season and joined Hull.
Galea is one of many high-profile players to leave MS3 Craven Park in the off-season.
Dobson admits they are big losses, but is confident the new recruits are just as capable of returning Rovers to the top eight.
"It's a big loss to lose the players we have," said Dobson.
"But we have experienced players coming in to replace them. Travis Burns has over 150 games in the NRL, while Evarn Tuimavave is also very experienced.
"Sean Gleeson is approaching his mid 20s and he showed how good a player he is last season for Salford."
Dobson wants his side to remain as competitive as they were last season when they lost nine games by six points or less.
If Rovers are to make the play-offs, a lot will depend on Dobson's half-back partnership with Burns.
Burns is expected to miss the first five games as he completes a 12-match suspension carried over from last season in the NRL.
Dobson believes Burns' toughness will add another dimension to the way coach Craig Sandercock sets his side up to play.
"Hopefully my partnership with Travis will be as good as my one with Blake," said Dobson.
"Travis is a tough player and he will always be 100 per cent competitive.
"We have a bit of work to do before the start of the season, but we'll sit down with Craig and see how he wants us to play."
Comments
by bridrobin
Friday, November 09 2012, 9:00PM
“Eddy, you posted:
The first time I met auntie Slammer I knew...how shall I put it,she batted for the other side. LOL"
I take it by that statement that he is heterosexual.
You cheeky little tinker.
BEL13VE lol”
by MikeHKR
Friday, November 09 2012, 5:54PM
“2biscuits
Probably unfair of me to single Dobson out because he wasn't alone, but he is our marquee player and he underperformed last season.
But I'm convinced playing alongside Burns he will have far more influence on games in 2013.”
by albaz
Friday, November 09 2012, 4:50PM
“What a surprise to hear Foster has gone to Bradford and what a coup he would have been if Rovers had snapped him up. What is the club paying the two "trainee wingers" combined and how much will Fosters salary be? Dobson will make a good captain IF he gets the support of the rest of the team,he will do his job,the rest, ALL of them need to do theirs.”
by TwigIets
Friday, November 09 2012, 4:14PM
“jezhull. and when reports start talking about Hull FC signing a player that usually means one thing too. Generally thats they are going to say 'up yours'.”
by bridrobin
Thursday, November 08 2012, 11:16PM
“Looks like jezhull the racist is backtracking yet again. The fact that Dobbo's staying must be so upsetting to some Gateshull (est.1998) Muppets.
Sometimes players are off like a shot as he says, some don't even come at all.
Lopini Paea, Rangi Chase and Scott Prince spring to mind. Wonder f they were part of Adam's 'Big Six'? Still they secured Liam (hic hic) Watts.
The 'sleeping giant' slumbers on.
BEL13VE ???? You just have to laugh !!!!
lol”
by Bobbin_Robin
Thursday, November 08 2012, 9:22PM
“Why has young Foster signed for the Bulls instead of the "Mighty Hull FC"....?
Perhaps he saw enough last Season.....Lol.”
by jezhull
Thursday, November 08 2012, 7:55PM
“When reports start talking about players 'staying', it usually means one thing .... when the right financial offer comes in, they're off like a shot and Dobson won't be any different.
As for halfwitted posters like that old numpty brid dobbin claiming Welham will make a good vice captain, it's laughable.... he was ****ged off nearly every time he played and his defensive tackling is on a par with Craig hall's .... dream on dobbin loonies :-)”
by 2biscuits
Thursday, November 08 2012, 7:09PM
“MikeHKR
Mike as a Hull Fc supporter i am surprised at your comments about Dobson.
Dobson has completely changed his game for Sandercock running the ball and attacking the line much more.The times i saw him him broke the line several times in the game.
I rate Michael Dobson and have to say i am one of very few people who think Sandercock did a good job at HKR and will become a good coach in Super League”
by Bungle
Thursday, November 08 2012, 5:06PM
“Eddy.
You are demented and you need help.
Taylor to Hull FC, Rovers into administration, Dobson to Hull FC, wine with Stevo, property empire in France.
Is there a grain of truth in your life?
Where did you get your inside info on Dobson, did his surgeon tell you?”
by Bungle
Thursday, November 08 2012, 4:54PM
“Must be a mistake in this story.
The Hull fans, especially kr-sell-sell (idiot) and eddy (idiot) have been telling us he is going to Hull FC.”