Jack Broadbent verdict given after meteoric rise to starting on biggest stage

Picture by Olly Hassell/SWpix.com - Jack Broadbent on the charge for Hull KR in the Grand Final against Wigan
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Jack Broadbent's meteoric rise reached a peak when he was picked in the Grand Final by Hull Kingston Rovers - and head coach Willie Peters was comfortable afterwards with making that call.

Broadbent's inclusion in the centres was the big team news for the biggest game of the Super League season at Old Trafford, as ex-Wigan player Oliver Gildart was left out of the squad against his former club, who ultimately triumphed by a margin of 9-2, while captain Elliot Minchella returned after his ban as expected. Broadbent is one of several players in Rovers' squad who have gone from playing at clubs who are not use to showpiece occasions to appearing on the biggest stage. It was reward for his performance when starting in the centres in the semi-final, when Gildart was out.

The versatile 23-year-old was at struggling Castleford Tigers at the start of the season, having previously had spells at Featherstone Rovers and Batley Bulldogs. What makes his start at the Grand Final even more special is that he had been a stand-in a lot of the time before the big night, not a regular starter. This selection was reward for his perseverance and willingness to adapt and work hard on the fringes of the line-up.

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He has played at centre, winger and full back for Rovers in recent times and had not been in the 17 in five of the past 11 matches. There have been several occasions in recent months when Broadbent has been in the 21-man squad and then an omitted player but he is a promising player, with a running game that can be exciting, and he was turned to on the biggest of stages.

Peters said: "I thought Jack did alright, he was direct, he ran strong. Jack picked himself because he goes to training every day and works hard and I've got four coaches and pick a side and they all wanted Jack in the side. So I'm comfortable with what we did with Jack. I don't think Jack was the reason why we were on the other end of the scoreboard."

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