Credit: SWPIX.COMELLIOT Minchella admits he has something to work on, but it is nothing to do with rugby league.
Instead, it is his skills while playing cards, which he learned need brushing up the last time he travelled to Toulouse – for his England debut.
Hull KR skipper Elliot Minchella may be good at winning rugby league trophies – but it is a different story when it comes to cards. Credit: SWPIX.COM
The Hull KR skipper returns to the scene of personal glory as Rovers take on the French side this evening.
Two years ago, though, he found out his weakness as England’s players waited at Manchester Airport after their journey was delayed.
And he may get another reminder tonight when Rovers head to a hotel following their charter flight.
“I need some work on that,” Minchella said about his card playing. “It’s one of my work-ons for the season.
“I remember we had a big delay in the airport with England. You just either moan about it and let yourself get frustrated and lose your focus or you just take it in your stride and crack on.
“You’re not in control, so try not to waste energy stressing about it and things like that.
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“Instead, I was just losing games of cards consecutively – and I’ll probably lose a bit tonight when we get to a hotel after flying in.
“I’ve very special memories of my last trip to Toulouse. I guess it could have been a bit better, but it was an England debut, which was very special.
“That whole week was great for me. I had family fly over as well and we got a win, with a decent performance and I’m looking forward to going back.”
After a stuttering start, champions Hull KR appear to be clicking into gear, while the opposite could be said of Olympique, who have followed two wins with five losses.
However, loose forward Minchella, 30, knows there is more to them than scorelines suggest, adding: “They play a really good brand of rugby. They move the ball around well and I’m really impressed with them.
“They’ve been unlucky in some games, not to come out on the right side of the result.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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