Uncertainty reigns in Super League but that doesn't bother Nathan Cayless

Nathan Cayless isn't worried in the slightest by Super League's delay in confirming it's start date and structure for next season.

Hull KR return for the start of their first pre-season campaign under Cayless next week but as it stands, the club don't know what exactly they are preparing for.

The most likely format right now seems to be a 15-team competition with London Broncos being welcomed into the top flight. That would see bye rounds introduced into Super League and could bring the start date of the competition forward into January, which would eat into the time all clubs have available to prepare for the road ahead.

Of course that is yet to be confirmed, with Super League clubs set for an all-important vote next week before season dates can be confirmed and the club can properly plan beyond the festive period.

The uncertainty doesn't concern Cayless right now, though, with the new KR boss completely focused on getting his side ready for the start of the action, whenever that may be.

"We'll deal with it when it's decided," he said. "The Super League is a very professional competition.

"It's high standard. It's high level. It's a good standard of footy. It's different, but that's the beauty of it.

"For me, the excitement to get the opportunity to come over here and coach in the Super League is one that I'm very excited about. I can't wait to do that.

"Everyone's in the same boat. You just get on with it.

"You can't control those things. All I can control as a head coach is how our staff are prepared and how well we prepare the players.

"If we start end of January, we start then. If we start mid-February, we start then. But I'll be ready."

Cayless is new to Super League of course, having spent his entire career to date in and around the NRL. And, he has moved to assure those in the Northern Hemisphere that the NRL have made plenty of late calls and decisions in the past, too.

However, given the non-stop nature of the season KR had last season, with the club's form falling off int he second half of the year, Cayless believes the introduction of bye rounds might just suit the Robins to the ground moving forward.

"That's a bit like our game," Cayless added. "To be fair, the NRL can do things as well. They spring things on you late in the pre-season.

"A couple of different examples there. But that's sport. You've just got to adapt. The team that adapts the best is obviously the most successful. And that's what it's about.

"You're going to have to adapt. We're going to have to make sure we're smart with our pre-season training and make sure that the players are ready.

"If it's a bit earlier, then so be it. But I think the advantage of starting early is each club's going to get two byes. So that's handy as well.

"I don't think Super League have had byes for a long time. It's going to be very handy for everyone, particularly our team."

Asked if he was comfortable with a 15-team competition, he added: "25 teams, six teams. I've got one team to look after."