The Hull Kingston Rovers Thread

[Luke]

First topic message reminder :

The title of the thread says it all.

[Luke]

Rovers have announced another new signing. It's forward Sauaso Sue on a 3 year deal from Newcastle (Nrl version).

Again don't know much about him, but he's an international for Samoa. So that's good.


NEW SIGNINGS.

Frwrd - Sauaso Sue from Newcastle till 2026.
Frwrd - Rhys Kennedy From Brisbane till 2025.
Back - Louis Senior from Huddersfield till 2025.

[George Hotel1895]

I might have dreamt it but I thought I read that Ben Crookes is on the way out at the end of the season.

In the meantime a crucial win at Wire last night.  Playoffs now a realistic possibility with some more consistency.

Ben Crookes hasn't had a good season. There is a good player in there somewhere and somebody needs to get it out

[Luke]

And Rovers have announced there 3rd overseas signing for next year.
As back Tom Opacic joins on a 2 year deal from Parramatta.

NEW SIGNINGS

Frwrd - Sauaso Sue from Newcastle till 2026.
Frwrd - Rhys Kennedy From Brisbane till 2025.
Back - Tom Opacic from Parramatta till 2025.
Back - Louis Senior from Huddersfield till 2025.

[George Hotel1895]

And Rovers have announced there 3rd overseas signing for next year.
As back Tom Opacic joins on a 2 year deal from Parramatta.

NEW SIGNINGS

Frwrd - Sauaso Sue from Newcastle till 2026.
Frwrd - Rhys Kennedy From Brisbane till 2025.
Back - Tom Opacic from Parramatta till 2025.
Back - Louis Senior from Huddersfield till 2025.

I'm not sure about this signing for the Robins if I'm honest
He played under Wayne Bennett at the Broncos and with the Dolphins struggling to sign players I would have thought that Wayne Bennett would have signed him, even just as a squad member

[Luke]

Rovers have tied teenage forward Zach Fishwick (who's made 4 appearances this year), to a 4 year contract.

CONTRACT EXTENSIONS

Elliott Minchella till 2026.
Zach Fishwick till 2026.
Frankie Halton till 2025.
Matt Parcell till 2024.
Will Tate till 2024.
Sam Wood till 2023.
Kane Linnett till 2023.
Jimmy Keinhorst till 2023.
Shaun Kenny-Dowall till 2023.
Dean Hadley till 2023.

[Luke]

Rovers have announced there 5th signing. As Forward James Batchelor joins from Wakefield.
Been outstanding this year so good signing. Though got a lot of forwards for next year.

NEW SIGNINGS

Frwrd - Sauaso Sue from Newcastle till 2026.
Frwrd- Rhys Kennedy From Brisbane till 2025.
Frwrd - James Batchelor from Wakefield till 2025.
Back - Tom Opacic from Parramatta till 2025.
Back - Louis Senior from Huddersfield till 2025.

[Luke]

1st departure.

Tom Garrett bas left by mutual consent as has been suffering long term concussion issues. Wise move as his health is obviously far more important.

DEPARTURES

Tom Garrett - released.

[George Hotel1895]

Rovers have announced there 5th signing. As Forward James Batchelor joins from Wakefield.
Been outstanding this year so good signing.  Though got a lot of forwards for next year.

NEW SIGNINGS

Frwrd - Sauaso Sue from Newcastle till 2026.
Frwrd- Rhys Kennedy From Brisbane till 2025.
Frwrd - James Batchelor from Wakefield till 2025.
Back - Tom Opacic from Parramatta till 2025.
Back - Louis Senior from Huddersfield till 2025.

I think James Batchelor is an excellent signing. He probably didn't fancy another season battling relegation with Wakefield

[Luke]

Rovers add another forward, this time Yusuf Aydin from Wakefield.

Given the amount of players re-signs or already under contract, were either running with a big squad, getting rid of a few, or running with a big squad to prepare for next year when at the end quite a few will be leaving.

NEW SIGNINGS

Frwrd - Sauaso Sue from Newcastle till 2025.
Frwrd - Rhys Kennedy From Brisbane till 2024.
Frwrd - James Batchelor from Wakefield till 2024.
Frwrd - Yusuf Aydin from Wakefield till 2024.
Back - Tom Opacic from Parramatta till 2024.
Back - Louis Senior from Huddersfield till 2024.

Finally got years right.

[Luke]

Rovers have announced 11 departures at the end of the season.

Tom Garrett, started okay, but not played since April due to his on going concussion issues.
Korbin Sims, until recently been bang average didn't beat a man and hardly had an off load game.
Brad Takairangi, off field issues aside, was okay in a couple of games.
Albert Vete, was okay.
Ben Crooks , tried hard, but always had a mistake in him, and defence let him down at times. With the backs we have already signed for next year was hardly going to play. So best he left.
Will Maher, same as Simms.
Charlie Cavanaugh, Adam Rusling, Nathan Cullen, Bailey Dawson & Tom Wilkinson are the youngsters we've let go. Shame (especially Risking who's been good at Cornwall on loan), but staying at Rovers would have stopped there careers as would not have got any game time.

Best of luck to all of them.

[The Beast]

A lovely way to finish off the season, nice.

[Luke]

Rovers have signed another forward, this time Sam Luckley from Salford. Interesting signing, as has been food for Salford this year. We've certainly got plenty of forwards, and Willie Peters is going to have plenty of interesting selection issues this year.

NEW SIGNINGS

Frwrd - Sauaso Sue from Newcastle till 2025.
Frwrd - Rhys Kennedy From Brisbane till 2024.
Frwrd - James Batchelor from Wakefield till 2024.
Frwrd - Yusuf Aydin from Wakefield till 2024.
Frwrd - Sam Luckley from Salford till 2024.
Back - Louis Senior from Huddersfield till 2024.
Back - Tom Opacic from Parramatta till 2024.

[Luke]

Albert Vete signs for Castleford, there's a forward there and maybe Castleford will get the best out of him, Rovers didn't.

[Luke]

Rovers have released the home shirt for next season.

It's a red body front and back, white sleeves that curve round to a Poopie collar. With a white stripe down the sides.
Bit like an Arsenal kit.

Can't make up my mind, and will have to wait to see it in person. But nice that we've gone back to red and white.

[Luke]

Ben Crooks has found a new club after being released by Rovers. He's joined Keighley on a 2 year deal. Best wishes to him.

[Luke]

Will Maher has fond a new club, joining Halifax.

Rovers have announced 2 pre season friendlies, away to Featherstone (for Craig Hall's testimonial game), and Leeds.

[Luke]

Fixture list is out.
Rovers and Hull only both home/away 10 or so times (2 clubs, its really not that hard to put them alternate).
Anyway here we go.

Rd 1 - Sat 18th feb - H Wigan C4.
Rd 2 - Thurs 23rd feb - A Salford Sky.
Rd 3 - Fri 3rd March - H Leigh.
Rd 4 - Fri 10th march - H Warrington.
Rd 5 - Sat 18th March - A Catalans.
Rd 6 - Fri 24th March - A Wakefield Sky.
Rd 7 - Fri 31st March - H Leeds Sky.
Rd 8 - Fri 7th April - A Hull FC Sky.
Rd 9 - Fri 14th April - H St Helens.
Rd 10 - Fri 21st April - A Castleford Sky.
Rd 11 - Fri 5th May - H Huddersfield.
Rd 12 - Fri 12th May - A Warrington.
Rd 13 - Thurs 25th May - H Wigan Sky.
Rd 14 - Sat 3rd June - N (Magic) Salford Sky.
Rd 15 - Sat 10th June - A Catalans.
Rd 16 - Fri 23rd June - H Wakefield.
Rd 17 - Fri 30th June - A Leigh.
Rd 18 - Fri 7th July - H Hull FC.
Rd 19 - Fri 14th July - A Leeds.
Rd 20 - Fri 28th July - H Castleford.
Rd 21 - Fri 4th Aug - A Wigan.
Rd 22 - Fri 18th Aug - A St Helens.
Rd 23 - Fri 25th Aug - H Leigh.
Rd 24 - fri 1st Sept - H Catalans.
Rd 25 - Fri 8th Sept - A Huddersfield.
Rd 26 - Fri 15th Sept - H Salford.
Rd 27 - Fri 22nd Sept - A Wakefield.


Now obviousley Sky can change days of games.

Dissapointly Rovers have gone back to trying Fridays. It didn't work last time. And stops a fair few Rovers fans who don't live in Hull (like me) going. Public transport is rubbish, and leaves so early you miss the 2nd half. So your left either driving so no beer, or getting a hotel etc so the day becoming more expensive.
Meanwhile our neighbours are playing weekends, getting faitweather and families. Don't think this is wise by Rovers.

[Luke]

Rovers squad numbers for this season. Number in bracket is year contract is up (i think) if longer than this year. Unless of course they leave, ir we get rid of them.


1- Lachlan Coote.
2- Ethan Ryan.
3- Tom Opacic (2024).
4- Shaun Kenny-Dowall.
5- Ryan Hall.
7- Jordan Abdull (2024).
8- Sauaso Sue (2026).
9- Matt Parcell (2024).
10- George King (2026).
11- Frankie Halton (2025).
12- Kane Linnett.
13- Elliot Mimchella (2026).
14- Jez Litten (2025).
15- Rhys Kennedy (2024).
16- James Batchelor (2024).
17- Matty Storton (2024).
18- Jimmy Keinhorst.
19- Will Dagger.
20- Mikey Lewis (2025).
21- Rowan Milnes (2025).
22- Dean Hadley.
23- Louis Senior (2024).
21- Sam Wood.
22- Luis Johnson.
26- Sam Luckley (2024).
27- Yusuf Ayain (2024).
28- Will Tate (2025).
29- Phoenix Laulu-Togaga'e (2025).

[The Beast]

I personally agree with you regarding Friday fixtures. Whilst still living in Leicestershire zero chance of seeing any games, I do feel your pain.

How do you think you will go this year?

[The Beast]

Couple of nice wins, moving in the right direction.

[Luke]

finally got to a game.

was at the Warrington home game a couple of weeks ago (lost 10-18).
Warrington attack is good, and defensively I thought we matched up and put in a really good shift. Offensively we weren't that great, but it was an okay performance to build on. And I think in the sun we'll be better.
Good to see the referee was still poor, if your giving Warrington 6 agains most of the game, then Rovers should have been getting more for exactly the same reasons.


also some transfer news.
Wil Dagger has left the club, joing Wakefield till 2024. There's a player there, and he's looked good numerous times for Rovers. He has in his 6 years, and was not going to get the run of games he needs to futher his performances, and I think this is a good move for him and will hopefully get the games. Good luck to him.
Coming in is Center Corey Hall. Not sure we needed a center, but he impressed last year, is young and hopefully will continue in the same form.


2023 LEAVERS

Will Dagger - Wakefield.


2023 NEW SIGNINGS

Centre - Corey Hall from Wakefield till 2025.

[Luke]

Luis Johnson has left on loan to Castleford for the season. Not suprised, he's never going to get game time with Rovers. And think he's pretty much nailed on to be leaving at the end of the season.

[The Beast]

A shame for Dagger who looks a very solid player, Corey Hall however might well be an astute piece of business as time goes on.

Great win today, I would want a decent sum of money to attempt to take Abdull's bomb's, fullbacks/wingers will losing some sleep knowing he is in the side.

[Luke]

Rovers have lost another young player. As Will Tate has left to join Castleford for the next 2 1/2 years.
A good prospect, but as with Will Dagger never plays, and probably not going to get many games. And with Mamo leaving Cas next year, could be a great opportunity for him.

2023 LEAVERS

will Dagger - Wakefield
Will Tate - Castleford

[The Beast]

Meanwhile a quality win v Saints and KR are 3rd, THIRD Not bad for a side some thought would struggle, Cas away next week, not easy but winnable.

[Luke]

Rovers recent run continues as we stuff Huddersfield 28-0. And i was there.
Defensively we were outstanding, no matter what tackle not allowing Huddersfield any space or opportunity. Offensively you still feel there's more to offer.

[The Beast]

Rovers recent run continues as we stuff Huddersfield 28-0. And i was there.
Defensively we were outstanding,  no matter what tackle not allowing Huddersfield any space or opportunity. Offensively you still feel there's more to offer.

Quietly that might be the best win of the season and without a key playmaker Jordan Abdul, very impressive.

[Luke]

Losing Coote early on, with Mikey Lewis fb and Jez Litten hb most of the game. Like i said defensively we were great.

3 players look to be moving on after this season. Ethan Ryan, Jimmy Keinhorst & Sam Wood. Not suprised. Also looks like its Shaun Kenny-Dowells last season as he's another we've not offered any terms to.
Rumour we're signing Oliver Gildart (not sure on this one, defensively he's weak, and nothing more than okay offensively, till he joins us then obviously he'll be one of the best centers in the world). And with Corey Hall not really a place for Kenny-Dowall.

[The Beast]

I have a recollection of people (including me) thinking Kenny-Dowall was the type signing our game doesn't need. Couldn't have been more wrong he has been outstanding.

Lachlan Coote has announced his retirement at the end of the season, classy player best wishes to him.

Tomorrow night at Warrington will be a serious challenge.

[Luke]

shame aboit Coote, but not suprised. The amount of injuries he's had at Rovers, mean we haven't seen the best of him.

Rumour is Ethan Ryan will be joining Salford at tje end of the season.

2023 LEAVERS

Wil Dagger - Wakefield.
Wil Tate - Castleford.
Lachlan Coote - Retirment.

On the plus side, It's been confirmed that AJ Wallace will be joing from Bradford at the end of the season on a 2 year deal. Beast knows alot more about him, but the last few forwards we signed from Bradford have proven themselves, so hopefully this continues.

2023 SIGNINGS.

Back -Corey Hall - From Wakefield till 2025.
Frwrd - AJ Wallace - From Bradford till 2025.

[Luke]

Another departure.
As Frankie Halton has left to join Leigh with immediate effect. Outstanding last seaaon, and when at the Warrington home game he looked good. But wanted to be near his family.

2023 LEAVERS

Wil Dagger - To Wakefield - Immediate.
Wil Tate - To Castleford - Immediate.
Frankie Halton - To Leigh - Immediate.
Lachlan Coote - Retired - End of the season.

[The Beast]

I see I was surprised to see Halton released, he has always struck me as a quality player.

Wallace as mentioned lacks some size but runs a powerful line, he has potential to be a good signing for you.

[Luke]

another new signing,

Rovers bring in back Peta Hiku fraom North Queensland. Mainly being viewed as a Coote Replacement on a 3 year deal.

NEW SIGNINGS 2023

Back - Corey Hall - From Walefield till 2025.
Frwrd - AJ Wallace - From Bradford 2025.
Back - Peta Hiku - From North Queensland 2026.

[Luke]

Kane Linnett has agreed a 1 year deal for next season. Been outstanding pretty much his 5 years at the club, so am happy to see him continue.

[Luke]

Shaun Kenny-Dowall will retire at the end of the season, and start his new job as Rovers developmental role (seeing to academy players going to 1st team). Sad as hes been exceptional in his 4 years as a player with Rovers.

2023 LEAVERS

Wil Dagger - To Wakefield - immediate.
Wil Tate - To Castleford - Immediate.
Frankie Halton - To Leigh - Immediate.
Lachlan Coote - Retiring - End of season.
Shaun Kenny-Dowall - Retiring - End of season.

[The Beast]

I see I was surprised to see Halton released, he has always struck me as a quality player.

Wallace as mentioned lacks some size but runs a powerful line, he has potential to be a good signing for you.

Although to counter this he with Bradford having something resembling an actual squad for the game tomorrow (Summer Bash v Keighley), he is not in the 21 man squad and played for the reserves v Wigan this afternoon.

BTW, Peter Hiku, great signing with SKD retiring (great career, best wishes to him).

[The Beast]

Rumours that KR are looking at Jack Walker, Bulls full back. No great surprise as he is basically proving his fitness, what is a surprise is that KR seemingly want him now not just next year.

[Luke]

i think the main reason is with Coote's injury record, and Ryan being out for 2 months with his broken jaw little to no cover at fb. Interesting one, talented player but not sure where he fits in next year with Hiku already at fb. As a cover/squad player would be an excellent signing, but the situation reminds me of the Dagger one. Though given Walker's injury record that might be the best thing for him.

Another new signing, as Englands best center (i'm not fickle in the slightest) Oliver Gildart joins on a 3 year deal.

2023 SIGNINGS

Back - Corey Hall from Wakefield till 2025. immediate.
frwrd - AJ Wallace from Bradford till 2025 - end of season.
Back - Peta Hiku from North Queensland till 2026 - eos.
Back - Oliver Gildart from Dolphins till 2026 - eos.

[The Beast]

Well we will find out, Jack Walker now confirmed to be moving to Craven Park.

[Luke]

yep, but only to the end of the season.

[Luke]

doing it tough, though for the 1st rime 8n years we do have decent squad cover.

With Ethan Ryan out for 2 months, Lachlan Coote is still having problems with concussion. Sausao Sue is out for about 16 weeks with a significant hamstring tear, and Jame Batchelor after his issue on Sat looks like he could be out for a decent chunk of the season. Like i said, we actually have cover this year, but Sue and Batchelor in particular are big losses given there form.

Also Apparently after Niall Evalds, to play mainly as a winger. Good player, but really not sure winger is his position given hes played most of his career at fb.

[The Beast]

I see Jack Walker could play on Saturday, I wish him well but he will need to cut out most of the errors from the last couple of games. Harsh I know as he has not played much rugby but Catalans away will be a serious test at the best of times.

I agree with Evalds position being full back but I don't think he would let anyone down and has pace to burn if he finds a gap.

Jordan Abdul tied down to a new contract which is excellent news.

[Luke]

Georg3 King signs a contract extension, till 2027. In the 3 years hes been at the club he's been outstanding and great to see him staying.

Got my ticket for semi, 3rd game i've got to. With the spine out injured, and running on empty with regards the squad. Really not sure what to expect, Wigan are a good side. So hopeful more than anything.

[The Beast]

Georg3 King signs a contract extension, till 2027. In the 3 years hes been at the club he's been outstanding and great to see him staying.

Got my ticket for semi, 3rd game i've got to. With the spine out injured, and running on empty with regards the squad. Really not sure what to expect, Wigan are a good side. So hopeful more than anything.

Very good news Re; George King.

Yes without those players the semi-final does look to be a tough game, hopefully a good day out either way.

[Luke]

Well we won.
Tight,tense everything a semi should be, weather wasn't great which meant more a forward battle. But we won, brilliant pass from Parcell to set up the winning drop goal.

James Batchelor has signed a new contract to stay at Rovers till 2026.

[The Beast]

Great result, very well played. Luke, I hope if you want to you get to the final, should be an excellent game.

[Luke]

Thanks Beast,

I am going, got my ticket today. Should be an interesting game, and whoever wins what the game needed with someone new winning.

[Luke]

Well that was heartbreaking.
To equalise in the very last minute, just to lose in golden point.

Defensively for 97% of the game I thought we were excellent. Offensively didn't really offer much. Leigh had more threat, and you can't win when you look after the ball as badly as we did. Nice day out, just very tense and nerve-racking game.

[Luke]

I also now have an irrational dislike of Leigh, who I've seen us lose to in 3 finals.

[Luke]

On a positive note.

Rovers have signed Tyronne May from Catalans. Mainly a hb though has utility value, he's been outstanding for Catalans this year.

NEW SIGNINGS 2023

Back - Corey Hall from Wakefield till 2025
Back - Peta Hiku from North Queensland till 2026.
Back - Oliver Gildart from Dolphins till 2026.
Back - Tyronne May from Catalans till 2025
Frwrd - AJ Wallace from Bradford till 2025.

[Sponsored content]