Hayes happy to be part of the ‘hunted’
RICHARD Hayes is enjoying a stellar season with Rotherham Titans, who are the ‘hunted’ side in National 2 North.
Hayes, 30, came into this weekend as the National League’s top points scorer with an impressive tally of 90 having taken over the goal kicking responsibilities full-time at the start of this season.
Rotherham have made a strong start to their campaign, with four wins from their opening five games and outside centre Hayes is enjoying the ‘winning feeling’, and is pleased that his side have gone from being a forward dominated team into a well-rounded outfit. He said: “There’s a buzz around the camp at the minute and everything is coming together nicely. We had a little slip up against Hull but I think that’s kept us grounded as it’s a long season, so as a squad we’re building nicely week by week.
“The majority of our tries have come from our backline which is pleasing to see. We already proved last season that we’ve got a hell of a pack, so that’ll come in handy when it comes to the winter months. It’s nice to be sharing the load as a full squad rather than a forward dominated one.”
The former Championship side haven’t shied away from their title aspirations under DoR Martin Jenkinson but Hayes says it’s important to stay grounded as teams all come with an ‘extra 10 per cent’ to Clifton Lane.
He said: “You never want to say ‘we’re going to win the league’ but that’s the target this season.
“Everyone knows Rotherham pay a bit more and have a reputation of being an old Championship side, so I feel we’re favourites to win the league. We need to keep playing how we’re playing and the wins will come and the league will take care of itself.
“I think you have to enjoy being the hunted and the team to beat. Most players are there to play in the pressure games and last year was a big proving point that teams come to us and it’s essentially their cup final. They all come with an extra 10 per cent when they face Rotherham as it’s a big scalp to take and a few teams last season took advantage of that.”
