Hull KR sign Penrith centre and Jordan Abdull on loan

Hull Kingston Rovers have secured the services of Penrith centre Andrew Heffernan for 2017 and brought half-back Jordan Abdull in on loan from city rivals Hull FC.

Standing at 6ft and weighing around 15 stone, Heffernan, 21, was a stand-out performer Down Under at Under-20s level and in the Intrust Super Premiership, the reserve grade competition to the NRL.

Abdull, 20, who was once on the books at the Robins as a junior, makes the move back across the city to link up with Tim Sheens’ squad and has already trained with his new teammates at the Lightstream Stadium.

The Robins head coach said: “Andrew is somebody who a lot of supporters over here won’t have seen before but I’m confident that after four or five games everybody will know what he’s about,” said Sheens

“He’s an exciting player to watch and we expect him to establish himself as an important member of the squad in 2017.”

“Along with Jamie Ellis, Jordan gives us another half back with Super League experience and I’m keen to work with both players and help them improve.

“We’re looking at playing Matty Marsh at full back with Ben Cockayne playing there and on the wing. The squad is starting to take shape and the spine of the team is looking strong with Shaun Lunt at hooker as well.

“We’ve got cover for all of those positions and we’ll be looking to give some of the younger players a run when we can. They need that experience so we’ll rotate them into the team throughout the year when we have the opportunity.

“With Jordan, Jamie and Andrew Heffernan, I’m very pleased with the business we’ve done over the last couple of days,” Sheens added.