New Rovers hooker Shaun Lunt admits he’ll find it tough to put his fond memories of Huddersfield Giants to one side and treat them like any other team when the two sides go head-to-head at Hull KR this afternoon.
The former England international will face his former teammates for the first time since joining the Robins on loan from Huddersfield for the rest of the season a month ago.
The move has almost certainly signalled an end to his seven years with the claret and gold club, during which time he helped them lift the 2013 Super League Leaders Shield and was in the Challenge Cup final side beaten by Warrington Wolves at Wembley Stadium in 2009.
But while he knows it’s going to feel strange facing some close friends, Lunt doesn’t intend to let that get in the way of trying to secure the two Super League XX points on offer and continue to build on their last two victories at home to leaders St Helens and at city rivals Hull FC on Good Friday.
“I’ve got some great friends over there and some happy memories at the Giants,” said Lunt.
“They’ve been good to me as a club and I’ve got nothing but respect for everybody there, but that won’t alter my approach to the game at all.
“I’ve got to do exactly the same as I would before any other game. If you get yourself too worked up, you’re likely to have a shocker.
“Huddersfield are like any other team to me now, so I’ve just got to do my best against them.”
Lunt’s swift departure a month ago took many within the game by complete surprise, although the man himself has revealed there’s no bad blood over the way things happened.
“I certainly don’t hold any grudges at all,” he added.
“There’s no bad blood, it’s just what happens in our game sometimes. It’s the nature of the beast.
“At the end of the day, we’re just a piece of meat and if you don’t perform, clubs just get someone else in the position.
“Whether you like it or not that’s how it happens, and I have to admit the change has given me a new lease of life.
“Last year I had injuries and this year I didn’t start too well. I was carrying a knock all the way through pre-season and felt I just needed a change, and the club needed a change from me as well.
“All round it’s been a great transition and worked both ways - although they were beaten by Salford the other night, they’ve done well over the past month and I’m really pleased for them - but my loyalties lie 100% at Hull KR now.”
