2016 Million Pound Game blessing in disguise for Hull KR who have made tremendous strides on and off the field

It's over 2050 days since Gareth O'Brien broke the hearts of Hull KR when he slotted over a drop-goal in golden point during the 2016 Million Pound Game. At the time, the world came crashing down on the Robins, with the club's immediate future up in the air and staff and players left without a contract for 2017.

Skip forward to 2022. The red and white's secured promotion at the first attempt, bought their stadium, been in back-to-back semi-finals, seen their stock rise in Super League and created a brand new ethos around Sewell Group Craven Park.

Relegation for most clubs in any sport is seen as a negative situation. Still, in Hull KR's case, the year spent in the championship in 2017 was the reality check the Robins needed to change their whole perception of rugby league.

Read More: Ryan Brierley identifies Hull KR's secret weapon as he explains Robins exit

You only have to take a look at where the other clubs who suffered relegation are now to see how crucial it was Rovers returned to the top flight at the first attempt.

Leigh Centurions have yo-yoed up and down the divisions, Bradford Bulls and Widnes Vikings have suffered heavy financial losses and are mid-table championship teams at best, Toronto Wolfpack have vanished off the face of the earth, and London Broncos look to be heading down to league one in 2023 after losing the majority of their assets.

The fact that Hull KR has managed to sustain a Super League spot since returning to the top flight and become financially stable is a remarkable achievement by the club's hierarchy.

It's no secret that the club's core was rotten, and a major shake-up was needed. It may have taken Tony Smith to come in and strip the team from top to bottom, but the way the club