Hull KR have added further depth and fresh faces ahead of their 2026 title-defence, with a look at their predicted line-up.
Hull KR claimed every trophy on offer in an unprecedented 2025 campaign and are expected to be among the last clubs to report back for pre-season training ahead of 2026.
Head coach Willie Peters only recently wrapped up his own season following his role with Australia in the Ashes series, while the Robins have added seven permanent players to their squad as they prepare to defend their titles.
Among the recruits is Tom Amone, who arrives as a direct replacement for the now-retired Jared Waerea-Hargreaves. The 28-year-old prop became a fan favourite at Leigh Leopards and was named in the 2023 Super League Dream Team.
After a short stint back in Australia, Amone joined Castleford Tigers in 2025, though his season was cut short by a foot injury. He is expected to be fit for pre-season and will bolster Rovers’ formidable pack alongside fellow props Sauaso Sue, Dean Hadley, Jai Whitbread and Sam Luckley.
France international Jordan Dezaria also arrives from Catalans Dragons on a three-year deal, with options aplenty for Peters’ pack in 2026.
Rising hooker Bill Leyland will be looking to gain more time from the interchange bench, with Jez Litten set to start at nine after his outstanding campaign – named in the Super League Dream Team and earning an England recall for the Ashes.
Cobie Wainhouse also begins his permanent two-year deal, having initially joined on loan from Hull FC at the back end of 2025. The promising forward, a former England Academy representative, will aim to earn first-team appearances.
Youngsters add strong competition
Rovers have further strengthened their depth with the additions of Jumah Sambou (Oldham), Declan Murphy (Salford) and Jack Charles (Hull FC), as well as the promotion of academy youngster Frankie Dearlove.
Sambou, 23, is a highly-rated centre who came through St Helens’ academy before impressing at Oldham.
Livewire full-back Murphy showed his potential with seven top-flight appearances for Salford in 2025.
Meanwhile, 19-year-old promising half-back Charles has crossed the city on a four-year deal, replacing Danny Richardson in the squad. He will have the perfect mentors in Mikey Lewis and Tyrone May, who were instrumental in the Robins’ 2025 triumph.
Prop Eribe Doro recently joined the list of departures, returning to Bradford Bulls following their return to Super League. Having also left Sewell Group Craven Park are Michael McIlorum (retirement), Niall Evalds (Huddersfield), Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e (Catalans), Ajahni Wallace (Toulouse), Neil Tchamambe (Wakefield), Rowan Milnes (Bradford), Lennie Ellis (Sheffield Eagles), Kye Armstrong (Tbc), Connor Barley (tbc), Richardson (York) and Leo Tennison (tbc).
Predicted line-up: Arthur Mourgue, Tom Davies, Peta Hiku, Oliver Gildart, Joe Burgess, Mikey Lewis, Tyrone May, Tom Amone, Jez Litten, Sauaso Sue, Dean Hadley, James Batchelor, Elliot Minchella.
Potential bench: Bill Leyland, Sam Luckley, Jai Whitbread, Rhyse Martin.
Pushing for spots: Jordan Dezaria, Kelepi Tanginoa, Jack Broadbent, Jumah Sambou, Declan Murphy, Cobie Wainhouse, Jack Charles, Jack Brown, Zach Fishwick, Lee Kershaw (suffered ACL injury in June 2025), Louix Gorman, Leon Ruan.