Hull KR coach Chris Chester is relishing the challenge of rebuilding his squad, but admits starting next season with a blank canvas won't be easy after the release of 18 players.
Since the start of the last campaign, Rovers have let a whole match-day squad leave the KC Lightstream Stadium, including half-backs Travis Burns and Kris Keating.
So far, Chester has added nine new faces for 2015, bringing in a new half-back pairing, a hooker and plenty of pace in the outside backs.
Despite signing Aussie play-makers Albert Kelly and Maurice Blair from Gold Coast Titans, Rovers are still on the lookout for more additions as they plot a return to the top eight.
But despite shaking up the squad with the biggest turnaround in personnel since gaining promotion in 2007, Chester is confident it will prove a fruitful exercise.
He told the Mail: "It's never easy to let people go because you've worked so closely with these players. But I'm the coach and I have to make the decisions I think are in the best interest of Hull KR.
"We've moved a lot of players on for one reason or another, but we have brought some quality players in already.
"It was time to refresh the squad and wipe the slate clean.
"It's going to be hard rebuilding the squad like we are, but we're relishing the challenge that brings. We're excited about starting pre-season.
