Gene eyes grand exit

HULL KR favourite Stanley Gene admits he may hang up his boots at the end of the season – if Rovers make the Grand Final.
The popular 36-year-old Papua New Guinea star is set to return to the fold for the Robins having missed the last nine games with a broken wrist.
Some questioned whether he would ever play for the Robins again – but Gene is determined to force his way into coach Justin Morgan’s plans, and a perfect swan-song at Old Trafford.
“Playing at Old Trafford would be a great way to go out in style,” Gene told the Mail.
“It’s every player’s dream to play at Old Trafford in the Grand Final and I’m no different.”
Gene has spent seven of his 14 seasons in the British game at Craven Park.
And although he is yet to take part in full contact training,  he is expected to be involved at Wakefield in the final game of the regular season.
“I still have a lot of work to do to get back into the team,” he admitted.
“The team has played really well this season without me and I cannot expect to walk back into the side.
“That is great for the team and I’m sure Justin is delighted to have so many options available to him.
“I have to wait for my chance and if it comes my way, I have to take it.”
Gene’s love affair with Rovers began way back in 1996 when he made his competition debut in a 70-8 win at South Wales – in what was then the third tier of the English game.
He has often suggested he could “play forever”, but with the sands of time ticking away, he admits an Old Trafford appearance would be the perfect way to end his illustrious career.
“It’s been a long and colourful journey, and it isn’t over yet,” he said.
“If the last port of call is to be Old Trafford then it will all be worth it.
“I couldn’t think of a better way to end my career.”
Even if he does decide to retire, Rovers have already said he will remain at Craven Park, and is expected to be handed a coaching position or an ambassadorial role.Meanwhile, Halifax has targeted Gene’s teammate Makali Aizue if Press reports coming out of Hull yesterday prove to be correct.
The clubs have tied their on-loan, in-form Hull FC prop Dominic Maloney to the club for the next two seasons and are looking at the Papua New Guinea prop.
Rovers announced late yesterday they would not be retaining the blockbusting front rower, who was signed by the Robins in 2000 and has made 159 appearances for his only English club.
And Fax’s interest would be logical given that Aizue, 31, was coached by Hall – and played alongside Fax coach Matt Calland – during their stint at Craven Park in 2004.“I remember my first game at South Wales and all the places I’ve been to after that.