The Robins, who were relegated in 2016 and finished bottom only four years ago, lead the way in Super League with three rounds remaining.
Rovers are close to securing a home semi-final in their bid to reach Old Trafford for the first time and face Wigan Warriors on Friday night in a potential League Leaders’ Shield decider.
KR fans of a certain age have not had it so good since the 1980s when Roger Millward’s legendary team delivered the club’s most successful period.
The majority of the club’s loyal supporters have never had it so good.
A key member of the last Rovers side to win a major trophy in 1985, Mike Smith is enjoying the ride as a fan himself.
“I’m just riding the wave,” said KR’s record appearance-maker, who scored 140 tries in 489 games between 1975 and 1991. “It’s been absolutely tremendous.
“The athletes and the fans share a bond. It’s strengthened the bonds among the residents of East Hull, who are already a very close community.
“The players know what it means to the club. We’ve been through the bad times and now we’re coming again.
“We’re probably a year or two ahead of where we thought we were going to be. The way we’re playing at the moment, the team is full of confidence and hard to beat.”
The Robins have already guaranteed their highest-ever Super League finish thanks to an eight-match winning run that has featured notable victories at Warrington Wolves and St Helens.
Although Willie Peters’ squad, the losing finalists in the previous year’s Challenge Cup final, needs to improve in order to be regarded as a champion team, Smith said they possess some of the same traits that made Millward’s team so strong.
“There are similarities,” remarked the Hull KR Hall of Famer, who serves as club president and attends every game.
“Really, defense was our main strength. Roger was really excited about that, particularly traveling far from home.
“Willie is very concerned about his level of fitness, and it shows in how he ends games.
“Both the forwards and the backs are skilled football players who appear to have adapted well. Since joining the team, Ryan Hall has been an incredible discovery, and a few other players are performing better than expected.
“Willie has improved them as a group.”
After 24 rounds, Peters’ team has the best for and against in the competition thanks to KR’s defense, which has won them games, and their offense, which has decided the margin of victory.
Every elite team requires a maverick like Mikey Lewis, and captain Elliot Minchella sets the tone defensively.
For some supporters, Lewis represents the closest Rovers have gotten to having a player similar to Roger Millward—so outstanding in fact, the team retired the number six shirt in his honor.
“He does share qualities but he’s probably got a little bit more cheek than Roger,” added Smith.
“He is a terrific player. He’s got so much strength now. He looks to have gained some weight as he is making quick passes through tackles.
“Roger was more about putting people through gaps and he was a bit more creative.
“Mikey has got that about him and will only get better as he gets older – but he’s got to prove it year on year.”
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