The star is being tipped for an even bigger and better 2026 season.
Arthur Mourgue has been tipped for an even better 2026 with Hull KR.
Having made an immediate impact following his move to Hull KR, Arthur Mourgue has been tipped for an even bigger and better year after completing his first full pre-season under Willie Peters ahead of the 2026 campaign.
The livewire French full-back arrived at Sewell Group Craven Park from Catalans Dragons last March and wasted little time in making his mark. He played a key role in Hull KR ’s historic treble-winning season, scoring nine tries in 24 appearances and slotting over 77 goals in the absence of the injured Rhyse Martin.
Now, the 26-year-old is expected to reach another level in what is shaping up to be the competition’s biggest and boldest campaign yet.
“Arthur has had a strong pre-season. He’s put on a little bit of size, he looks zippy, he looks fast, so I’m expecting his game to go up again,” head coach Willie Peters told Hull Live.
“To come in during the season and settle into a new country with his partner was a credit to Arthur and how he approached the move and embraced the club.
“Pre-season can bring you tighter as a group, but also closer to your surroundings. He’s had a strong pre-season and I’m looking forward to seeing his game go to another level because he’s an intelligent player who can play at full-back and in the halves.”
Peters also believes Mourgue proved his character when it mattered most, coming out on top in last year’s Grand Final glory that helped cement a clean sweep of trophies.
“In last year’s Grand Final, early on it probably didn’t go his way, and it was going to be interesting to see how he responded after the first 15 minutes – and he found a way. That’s a really good sign,” the Robins boss added.
“A strong pre-season will set him up.”
Confidence is high that Rovers’ spine, having now completed its first full pre-season together with Mourgue, can help raise standards again as they prepare to be the hunted for the first time in the modern era.
Hull KR begin their title defence on Thursday against Super League newcomers York Knights, with upcoming showpieces in the World Club Challenge and Las Vegas firmly on the back burner for now for the playing squad.
“When you’ve had a spine that’s been together for a while, you start to build stronger connections,” Peters added.
“We challenged them before the Grand Final and they all stepped up. As I said, Arthur probably didn’t get off to the greatest start, but he found a way into the game. Tyrone May and Mikey Lewis were really strong, with Mikey obviously getting player of the match. Jez Litten’s game has gone to another level, too.
“We’ve now got a spine that’s played a number of games together, and that’s exciting for me. When you’ve got that cohesion, everything goes up – and they make everyone around them better. It’s not just about individual performances, but what they can do for others around them.”