Season 1980/81

Sensational try by Steve Evans to beat Leeds at Headingley on Boxing Day

Job done, first division status was retained but only just.  With four to go down Rovers finished fifth from bottom two points clear of relegated Halifax.  It had all looked so different at xmas, after a bright start Rovers were pushing for a top four place, then in January both the coach Paul Daley, and chairman Alan Hewitt, suddenly resigned. Whatever the reason this was followed closely by transfer requests from leading forwards Pete Smith and Mick Gibbins. League form slumped with 9 defeats in a row though several of those were against top sides by narrow margins. Luck wasn’t on the side of new coach Vince Farrar -  though victories over Salford and Leigh kept Rovers safe.    There was no solace in the cup competitions with early exits in the Yorkshire Cup at Hull KR and at home in the Challenge Cup by Widnes.

Steve Quinn had another good year playing nearly every game and kicking 115 goals.  Steve Evans made his full international debut and topped the try scoring.  John Marsden was now regular full back following the sale of Harold Box to Wakefield for £18,000.  Ken Kellett in his benefit year was as dependable as ever.  The pack with Mick Gibbins, Mick Morgan, Ray Handscombe, Pete Smith, Steve Hankins and Keith Bell held its own, supplemented by young forwards Dave Hobbs and Kevin Anderson.