Hampshire has impressed for Hull KR in recent weeks
Ryan Hampshire’s Hull KR deal runs until the end of the season(Image: SW Pix)
Super League clubs should be looking at Ryan Hampshire as a great squad option for next season.
That’s the opinion of Hull KR boss Willie Peters who outlined his expectation that Hampshire will be allowed to move on at the end of the Super League season.
The playmaker signed with Rovers permanently in April after a successful trial with the club and so far he has made five appearances in red and white.
That’s more than perhaps some expected when he initially linked up with the Robins but he’s expected to start in the halves once more on Thursday, with Mikey Lewis still suspended.
He’s more than looked the part when he’s had the opportunity to play and he played a key role in the one-sided win over Castleford Tigers last Friday.
However, Peters has confirmed that unless something changes he is unlikely to remain with the club for 2027.
“I think he’s done a great job,” the Rovers head coach said. “We brought him in because I just saw in terms of our spine there was probably a lack of depth, which we’ve had in the past, and his experience.
“I think with Jack [Charles], what you want to do is develop Jack, so when he starts to play he ends up being that 10-15 year first team player.
“He had his time at FC and that can knock you around a bit, being on wrong end of the scoreboard, big scores against you and then people blaming him for the losses, which was ridiculous. We want to make sure we manage and develop him the right way and take our time with him.
“We got Ryan in who can play full-back but can add depth in the halves and he’s taken his opportunity.
“At this stage he’s not in our squad next year and I think he would be a great squad player for someone else, similar to how we used him this year. I knew at some stage he’d have to do a job for us and we brought him in to do exactly what he’s doing now.
“He sees himself as a Super League player and wants to be part of a Super League squad. He came and trained with us and earned that full-time contract. What he’s doing now is what I thought he could do and that was the reason to sign him full-time. We’re happy with what he’s done.”