2024 Season Preview: Hull KR

Over on the East side of Hull, the Robins just keep growing and growing. 2023 was an impressive campaign for the club, with Willie Peters' men contesting in an electrifying Challenge Cup Final; their first final since 2015. This was before going on to produce an incredible five game winning streak and claim a well-deserved fourth place and home tie in the play-offs.

Hull KR will be aiming to reiterate similar success in 2024's campaign and have recruited well so far meaning they have a more than capable squad to achieve this. They have also retained their star-man Mikey Lewis, who was ever-present and the Robins'' top metre maker in 2023. He has also shown his unwavering commitment to the club by signing an incredible five-year deal, keeping him at the Robins until the end of the 2028 season.

Lewis is LOCKED IN until 2028 ??

? @mikeylewis32 #UpTheRobins ??? pic.twitter.com/QpdfNLAtk3
— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) November 17, 2023

The Robins' recruitment drive consists of the likes of Leigh Leopards' Oliver Gildart, New Zealand International Peta Hiku, and Wakefield Trinity duo Jai Whitbread and Kelepi Tanginoa - and they will be hoping these signings can assist with the club's vision, as well as bring valuable experience and flair to the team.

Another week closer to the season ??#UpTheRobins??? pic.twitter.com/6wQORc9Adc
— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) January 6, 2024

Ins & outs

Ins

Oliver Gildart (Leigh Leopards), Peta Hiku (North Queensland Cowboys), AJ Wallace (Bradford Bulls), Tyrone May (Catalans Dragons), Niall Evalds (Castleford Tigers), Jai Whitbread, Kelepi Tanginoa (both Wakefield Trinity), Reiss Butterworth (Dewsbury Rams), Joe Burgess (Salford Red Devils).

New recruits ??#UpTheRobins ??? pic.twitter.com/9V70q0T1NS
— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) December 16, 2023

Outs

Ethan Ryan (Salford Red Devils), Sam Wood (Castleford Tigers), Jimmy Keinhorst (York City Knights), Brad Schneider (Penrith Panthers), Jack Walker (Hull FC), Greg Richards (Toulouse), Rowan Milnes (Castleford Tigers), Rhys Kennedy (London Broncos), Luis Johnson (released), Connor Moore (Saint-Gaudens Bears), Shaun Kenny-Dowall (retirement), Kane Linnett (retirement - joined Sarina Crocodiles), Jordan Abdull (season-long loan, Catalans Dragons).

Ones to watch

2024 stars

Hull KR have snapped up a powerful prop in Jai Whitbread, who became a stand out for Wakefield in his two seasons with the West Yorkshire side and was one of Trinity's top metre makers last year. Becoming a firm fan favourite at Trinity because of his dedication and determination both on and off the field, the Robins can expect 100 percent from the versatile workhorse. There will also be an element of familiarity for the 25-year-old as he joins ex-Trinity teammates Corey Hall, James Batchelor, Yusuf Aydin and Kelepi Tanginoa, which can surely only work in the Robins' favour. 

Another one to watch will be playmaker Peta Hiku, who joins from North Queensland Cowboys, in which he helped them to an NRL Preliminary Grand Final last season. Hiku is also no stranger to Super League, having played a short but successful stint for Warrington, in which he scored 10 tries in 11 appearances. With the ability to play in the half-back, full-back and centre positions, Hiku could have an influential role in the Rovers side this year.

Who are you excited to see in 2024? ?#UpTheRobins??? pic.twitter.com/7svMPBxc4I
— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) January 4, 2024

Next generation

Signed from Bradford Bulls, 20-year-old AJ Wallace has already represented Jamaica internationally at the most recent Rugby League World Cup and starred for the Bulls in the 2023 season. And this powerful back-rower may not have to patiently bide his time for appearances in the first team and could get his chance this season - following Kane Linnett's announcement to retire.

Who are you excited to see in 2024? ?#UpTheRobins??? pic.twitter.com/7svMPBxc4I
— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) January 4, 2024

Defining dates

Hull KR will be hoping to repeat their great form in 2024 and should be confidently competing for a top six spot.

Loop fixtures mean the Robins will go head to head with their cross-city rivals Hull FC three times across the course of the season - two of these encounters are in quick succession early on, one being the opening round of the Betfred Super League. It was one win each last season, where the Robins thrashed Hull FC 40-0, with the help of a classic Ryan Hall hat-trick, and they will undoubtedly be looking to reiterate this in Round 1.

They also face Leigh Leopards twice at the end of the season, which could prove to be decisive matches, and the Robins should be out for revenge after last year's Betfred Challenge Cup Final heartbreak.

Squad list

1. Peta Hiku, 2. Niall Evalds, 3. Tom Opacic, 4. Oliver Gildart, 5. Ryan Hall, 6. Roger Millward MBE, 7. Mikey Lewis, 8. Sauaso Sue, 9. Jez Litten, 10. George King, 11. Dean Hadley, 12. James Batchelor, 13. Elliot Minchella, 14. Matt Parcell, 15. Sam Luckley, 16. Jai Whitbread, 17. Matty Storton, 19. Yusuf Aydin, 20. Kelepi Tanginoa, 21. Corey Hall, 22. Phoenix Laulu-Togaga'e, 23. Lewis Senior, 24. Reiss Butterworth, 25. Harvey Moore, 26. AJ Wallace, 27. Tyrone May, 28. Zach Fishwick, 29. Louix Gorman, 30. Leo Tennison, 31. Lennie Ellis, 32. Connor Bailey, 33. Harvey Hore, 34. Neil Tchamambe, 35. Joe Burgess.