2023 Season Preview: Hull KR

Hull KR had a mixed year in 2022. It started so well, with the Robins as high as fifth in the table early on in the season; however they were plagued with injuries to key players which ultimately cost them a chance at the play-offs. Things are looking brighter for 2023, with a new head coach and some quality signings, Hull KR could be a dark horse this season.

Hull KR have recruited really well, both on and off the pitch. The arrival of new head coach Willie Peters is a fantastic appointment. He comes to East Yorkshire with plenty of experience, having been an assistant coach in the NRL, working with the likes of Trent Barrett and Wayne Bennett.

Speaking to the media, Peters said “When the opportunity came up, it just felt right. I’ve got so many good memories of when I played in Super League, I’m just grateful for the opportunity and I can’t wait to come back over there. I’m joining a team that’s well established and definitely on the rise. I’ve worked with a number of quality coaches and taken a lot away from what their strengths are. But of course, I’m going to do it my way”.

On the pitch, they have added plenty of power to their pack, in the shape of props Rhys Kennedy and Sauaso Sue. These two will add a new dynamic to the Robin’s attack, providing them with consistent ball carriers through the middle. They will both also bring a lot more physicality to the pack, which will complement their exciting backline really well and create a great dynamic this year.

Speaking to the media on the arrival of Sauaso Sue, Willie Peters said: “He’s a hungry footballer who’s ready to prove himself in the Super League. He’s ready to play his best football, he could have stayed in the NRL but it’s an exciting time to be a part of Hull KR. He and his family want to be a part of it.”

Peters also gave his thoughts on Rhys Kennedy, saying “It’s great to have Rhys on board for next year. We worked together in 2019 when he was at the Rabbitohs. Rhys’ biggest strengths are his size and power. We looked at that for next year’s recruitment and Rhys will give us that. He carries the ball really strong and has good footwork, he’ll be hard to handle in that aspect. That’s what I’ve liked since Rhys joined the Broncos, his development into an aggressive front-rower. I’m looking forward to working with him again”.

Another great signing is Centre Tom Opacic, from last year’s NRL finalists Parramatta Eels. This is a huge signing for the Robins. He comes with plenty of experience, having played over 80 games in the NRL since his debut in 2016, and also has a great try scoring record. He is fast and powerful, especially on support lines. He will add a lot to the already exciting backline the Robins have this season.

Speaking about his arrival in East Yorkshire, Opacic said ““I was looking at a few different options here in the NRL then Willie made contact and really sold it. He wants to do something special at Hull KR and I took what he said on board. Willie gave me a bit of insight into coming over with him living over here before. I’ve been over twice with Brisbane Broncos for the World Club Challenge and enjoyed it when I came over. So, it was a pretty easy decision in the end. I’m looking forward to it.”

The Robins preseason campaign started poorly, losing 28-0 to Featherstone in their first match. However, they bounced back; comfortably beat a strong Leeds team 26-4 this weekend to end preseason on a high. The win against Leeds will be a great show of how they want to play this

season, with a strong defensive performance whilst also creating chances and scoring really good tries. If they perform like this in round one, they could start their season off with a bang.

Hull KR are looking like an exciting prospect this season, and could easily be a dark horse this season. It is vital they avoid last season’s injury situation, however the new signings will reinforce their squad which could help them go far in 2023.

Arrivals

Tom Opacic (Paramatta Eels), Louis Senior (Huddersfield Giants), James Batchelor (Wakefield Trinity), Rhys Kennedy (Brisbane Broncos), Sauaso Sue (Newcastle Knights), Yusuf Aydin (Wakefield Trinity), Sam Luckley (Salford Red Devils)

Departures

Albert Vete (Castleford Tigers), Ben Crooks (Keighley Cougars), Will Maher (Halifax Panthers), Korbin Sims (retired), Tom Garratt (released), Brad Takairangi (released), Adam Rusling (Cornwall), Nathan Cullen (Cornwall), Tom Wilkinson (Dewsbury Rams), Charlie Cavanaugh (released), Bailey Dawson (Castleford Tigers)

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