Broadbent faces a battle to get into the starting 13
Jack Broadbent of Hull KR celebrates one of his tries against Lock Lane(Image: Dave Greaves, DGRFL Images)
Willie Peters has reaffirmed Jack Broadbent’s value to Hull KR this season, but did admit he had a word with his hat-trick star about some of the finer points of his game in the victory over Lock Lane.
Rovers swept the community club aside in a record 104-0 victory with 18 tries for the Challenge Cup holders as they got their trophy defence up and running. Broadbent scored three of those tries in an effort to catch the eye ahead of the start of Super League next week away at York Knights.
Broadbent, who was named in the previous Wakefield Trinity trial game in the halves, was this time picked in a more familiar full-back role which he has competed in previously. Such is the 25-year-old’s versatility he has played across the back division for Rovers and provided a valuable utility presence for Peters.
The ex-Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers man is eager to nail down a more regular role in the side, but faces competition from recognised full-back Arthur Mourgue, while Peta Hiku and Oliver Gildart appear to have the centre positions nailed down again for 2026.
Speaking after the win over Lock Lane, Peters highlighted Broadbent’s value to Rovers, but offered a reminder there are things for the player to work on.
Asked how Broadbent can get into the team, Peters said: “Regardless of if he is in or not, Jack is an important part of what we do. If he’s not in, he’s always close to being in.
“Jack’s best attribute is he is a runner, he’s a good runner with a pass off the back of that. I thought Jack had a nice pass selection, but it is always when he runs first. He’s played at one, at centre, on the wing, and got a number of man of the matches on Sky for his performances so we know what he is capable of.
“Jack, look he scored some tries (against Lock Lane), but there were some moments there for Jack where he probably hasn’t played a little bit. We spoke about that at half-time. There’s things in there for individuals to improve. Jack is a valuable player to us, but there were some moments there as well that he needs to work on. Jack can play anywhere for us though, we know that.