Hull KR 'must reach play-offs', says Greg Eden

REACHING the play-offs should be Hull KR's first priority next season, according to new full-back Greg Eden.

Having signed a three-year contract with Craig Sandercock's team last week, Eden joins a side which missed out on the knock-out format for the first time in four years.

And although the 22-year-old is still settling in to life at MS3 Craven Park, he knows making the top eight is a must in 2013.

"The play-offs are a minimum requirement for us next season," Eden told the Mail.

"Everyone expects good things from us next season and so do we.

"The club have made some good signings for the campaign ahead. It shows they are not prepared to take backward steps.

"We can only get better and I think you'll see us win more games than we lose."

That wasn't the case last season as Rovers lost 16 of their 27 games, picking up just one win in their last 10 games.

Eden arrives as one of eight changes to the squad made by Sandercock as the Aussie coach looks for a better season at the helm.

Sandercock will be the fourth coach to work with Eden in the last three seasons, having worked with Nathan Brown, Paul Anderson and Terry Matterson.

But despite picking their coaching brains, the former Castleford and Huddersfield back is looking forward to a bit of continuity.

"I'm hoping for some stability now that I have joined Rovers," said Eden.

"I thought I had it at Huddersfield but that wasn't the case.

"This may be my third club in three years, but I have been able to pick techniques up from some very good coaches.

"They have been able to help me in a lot of different areas of my game.

"That is very much a good thing and I believe I can learn a lot more from Craig.

"I know I still have lots to learn in the game and Craig is the coach to help me.

"I want to prove to Huddersfield that they should have wanted to keep me."

Compared to Australia star Billy Slater by Nathan Brown earlier this year, Sandercock will hope Eden can become a Super League success for Rovers.

Eden has a lot of work to do to live up to that comparison, but he is prepared to work hard to do so.

"I try to forget about the comments," said Eden, who is slightly embarrassed by it now.

"I was constantly asked about it by reporters and I wasn't sure what to say.

"As a young lad, there was a danger it could have boosted me too much.

"I was chuffed to be compared to him, but I tried to laugh it off. Now, a few months later, I feel a bit embarrassed about it all."

Looking forward to the latest chapter of his career, playing in a proper derby is something he is most excited about.

"I've been told about how good the Hull derbies are," Eden added.

"At Huddersfield, we didn't really have a rivalry.

"While Rovers played Hull at the Manchester Magic weekend, we had Salford. It wasn't exactly the same.

"But we get to play Hull in pre-season which will give me a great taster.

"Playing them in the pre-season will tell me what to expect during the season. It will be another level up."