Sheens plays down Carney’s debut

Hull KR boss Tim Sheens is not expecting fireworks when Justin Carney makes his long-awaited debut against Sheffield on Sunday.

Carney will make his first appearance for the Robins after signing from Salford and completing an RFL suspension, but Sheens doesn’t think the Australian will be fully tuned up.

“Justin is keen to get back on the football field this week, but I’ve speaking to him a lot about him just doing his job and not trying to overdo it,” he told the club’s official website.

“He’s keen though and the boys are keen to play with him. Hopefully next week against London the fans will get a better look at him and the chance to give him a big welcome, but I’m not expecting too much from him this Sunday.

“Saying that, he’s always a handful. He’s difficult to put down and he makes good yards. We just don’t want him to try too much. After two or three weeks, he’ll be a lot better and he’ll keep improving the more he plays with us.”

Young half-back Liam Harris will also feature on his first senior appearance for the club and Sheens says it is an opportunity the former Academy Player of the Year has earned.

“It’s been a long year for Liam and he’s been busting to get a run out with us,” he added. “He’s done very well for York and they love him over there.

“He’s had consistent football with them at full-back as well as half-back and he now gets an opportunity with us. We were always going to give him a chance at some stage and with Jordan Abdull’s injury it’s come this week.

“That’s opened up a spot and he’s grabbed it with both hands by training really well this week, but he’s only a young half-back and he’ll be relying on the likes of Shaun Lunt and Jamie Ellis to help him around the field.”