Joe Burgess has admitted his Hull KR departure came as an initial shock – but the winger leaves East Hull with no regrets after a trophy-laden spell.
The 31-year-old will leave the Robins following the conclusion of the 2026 season, after they were knocked out of the Super League play-offs by Warrington Wolves in the eliminators.
Burgess has enjoyed the best form of his career under head coach Willie Peters, earning an England recall after 10 years away from the international scene.
He played a starring role in Hull KR’s record-breaking 2025 campaign, scoring 24 tries in 25 appearances as the Robins claimed a historic domestic treble.
The former Wigan and Salford winger then crossed in February’s historic World Club Challenge victory over Brisbane Broncos, completing a clean sweep of trophies during a remarkable period for the club.
“It’s been a journey,” Burgess told Hull Live.
“I’ve had some great times, and I said to Willie, ‘I appreciate what you’ve done for me personally.’
“He’s brought the best out of me, bringing me over after what happened at Salford.
“The treble last year, the World Club Challenge at the start of this year, and then we fell short at the end.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute, and I’ve loved living in Hull. I love the fans – even Hull FC fans have been nice with me, which is a bonus. I love the people.”
Burgess scored twice in Hull KR’s 24-6 Grand Final victory over Wigan at Old Trafford last season, earning himself a place in Shaun Wane’s England squad for the home Ashes series.
He now joins Catalans Dragons on a two-year deal ahead of the 2027 Super League season.
“Before I came to Hull KR, I’d never won Super League, never played in a Grand Final, never won at Wembley,” he said.
“I’m so grateful I’ve had that chance and picked up silverware along the way.
“Now, in the last couple of years of my career, I’m going to give it my all.”
Burgess admits, however, that he was initially surprised by Hull KR’s decision to explore transfer opportunities ahead of Nathan Cayless’ arrival as Peters’ successor at Sewell Group Craven Park.
He is one of 10 players set to depart Rovers, alongside the likes of Tevita Panga Junior and Ryan Hampshire, while Rhyse Martin is retiring at the end of the year.
“It was more of a tactical thing by the club,” Burgess explained.
“It was a bit of a shock, but it happens all the time. You don’t think it’ll happen to you, then it does.
“There was interest. It happened so fast.
“I talked to my girlfriend as well – she’s from Hull – and we talked about what we wanted to do.
“I was a bit gutted at first, but now I’ve accepted it and I’m going to enjoy the next part of my career.”
Burgess has even revealed that retirement plans are already in motion, with the winger potentially hanging up his boots in the south of France.
He admits he won’t be able to replicate the extraordinary longevity of Ryan Hall, however, with the Leeds legend – who turns 39 in November – expected to re-sign for 2027.
“I’m 32 next month, and I always thought I’d stop at 34 or 35,” Burgess said.
“I can’t do what Ryan Hall has done – I’m not sure how he’s doing it!
“I’ll be happily retired before then, but I’ll give it my all now.”