The major factor will be that Gary Wilkinson has had a full off-season preparation this time round and his deep thinking style will have had chance to galvanise his team for the long season ahead.
And he's not gone mad in the transfer market either. He's astutely added utility back Lynton Stott to his side who will add additional guile out wide alongside Whetu Taewa - both of whom should should continue to benefit from the excellent service provides by the mercurial Gary Murdock. According to reports so far, Murdock's pinpoint kicking game is once again a major feature of Rovers' attack and something we'll have to be alert to.
Up front, the no-nonsense pack is marshalled by Chris Charles, who gained valuable Super League experience on loan at Castleford last season. The Robins' supporters (and Wilkinson) will be relieved that what looked like becoming a permanent move didn't materialise.
Come the business end of the season, Hull KR will be there or thereabouts - and it's teams like this that Martin Hall will be looking to beat to state our case as serious contendenders. Hull KR are a robust, hardworking side with no little craft and this promises to be a tight, tactical battle that will go the full distance. It should be NFP Rugby League at its best - taut, exciting, competitive and very important to both sides. Miss it at your peril.