The RFL’s annual off-contract list has been leaked and while there is always a degree of uncertainty that remains after its publication, it does provide further insights into how recruitment may look for clubs.
The same applies to Hull KR, whom we now know plenty more about heading into the 2025 season. Rovers’ recruitment is already taking shape ahead of next year. Tom Davies appears almost certain to be at Craven Park next year while Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has already been announced as a new signing. Beyond that, Jack Broadbent and Jack Brown have both been brought in early as part of deals with Castleford Tigers and Hull FC.
The Robins are not expected to be particularly active heading into 2025, particularly with a number of deals already done. However, one thing that the off-contract list does appear to have confirmed is that Hull KR will be pursuing a new hooker next season.
The off-contract list has confirmed that Rovers have not offered terms to four players next year. Two of them are hookers. Neither Matt Parcell nor Reiss Butterworth will remain at the club next season, with the Robins deciding not to activate the one-year option on the latter’s deal with the club.
Parcell’s departure is not a surprise. With Waerea-Hargreaves arriving, one of Rovers’ overseas players had to leave, and given he was the only one off-contract at the end of the season, the writing did appear to be on the wall.
But Butterworth’s departure suggests that Hull KR will be in the market for a hooker heading into next season. While Jez Litten is establishing himself as a hooker who can play big minutes, Rovers will be keen to have appropriate depth and cover next season.
That recruit will need to be a domestic player at this stage, unless, of course, another of the club’s quota players were to move on. That does give the club limited options.
Beyond that, Rovers may still be looking to add to their pack, with Matty Storton expected to sign for Wakefield Trinity and George King seemingly headed to Huddersfield Giants. With Yusuf Ayidn also departing, Rovers are currently set to be a middle down on what they currently have, and given the club was open to potentially adding another forward to their squad during the current season, it seems likely that they will at least want to add another prop for next season.
