Five Hull KR players who could be surprise packages in 2025 including new signing

Hull KR are looking to go one better in 2025 and improvement could come in the shape of surprise package players in their squad.

As an example from Wigan Warriors who halted the Robins in the Grand Final in 2024, very few people will have expected Junior Nsemba to have such a dominant season as he did.

The young second-rower was rightly a name on the tip of everyone’s tongue after his breakout 2023 campaign, but earning himself a spot in the Super League Dream Team and becoming one of the most dominant in his position was an undeniable surprise package.

For the Robins, Mikey Lewis’ leap from star to Man of Steel winner was another prime example and Hull KR could well do with such another incredible point of difference if they’re to overcome the likes of Wigan Warriors and lift some elusive silverware in 2025.

We’ve combed through Willie Peters’ squad and picked out five players we think could be surprise packages in 2025, some who might surprise us by simply forcing their way into the team, and some who might even force their way into the Dream Team.

Five Hull KR players who could be surprise packages in 2025

Connor Barley

Barley has recently signed a one-year extension which ties him down through the 2025 season, something that fans will be pleased about. The 20-year-old centre spent most of the 2024 campaign on dual registration with Featherstone Rovers.

He’d play eight times for the Championship outfit despite regularly making the Robins’ 21-man squad, only to be cut for game day. The upcoming season could be the year that he earns a shot with the Robins’ centre depth lessening after Tom Opacic’s exit.

Another young centre worth a mention is Louix Gorman, who also spent time on dual reg with Featherstone, and is an exceptional young talent.

Jack Broadbent

One man who will be in front of Barley in the pecking order at centre is Jack Broadbent, the ex-Castleford Tigers man who will have his first full season with the Robins in 2024.

Broadbent was part of a swap deal earlier in the year but by the back end of the season found himself a starter for Hull KR, even getting the nod over Oliver Gildart for the Grand Final.

He may not be as defensively sound as Gildart but Broadbent was electric going forward in 2024 and he could be the sort of player who quickly develops to be among the very best at his position in Super League this upcoming season.

Jack Brown

Like Broadbent, Brown was another to join midway through the 2024 season and he went on to play nine times for the Robins after his switch from rivals Hull FC.

Brown was finding his feet late in the season, starring in both the Round 27 match against Leeds and the semi-final against Warrington, before ceding his place when the suspended Elliot Minchella returned.

With a full pre-season under his belt and all of the Hull KR pack set to be invigorated thanks to the presence of superstar Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, watch out for the 24-year-old to become a regular.

Bill Leyland

The only new signing on the list is Bill Leyland, the hooker who has arrived from London Broncos. Leyland finds a difficult path to playing time with Jez Litten and fellow signing Michael McIlorum ahead of him, however, the amount he’ll learn is immense.

Missing all of the 2024 season through injury, getting game time and minutes in his legs will be paramount so expect to see him on either a loan or dual reg deal. Should he impress then he could even force first-team game time given the need to manage McIlorum’s minutes.

Leo Tennison

The 20-year-old prop will be another inspired by the signing of JWH but for Tennison, the goal is to crack that matchday squad. He was named 18th man in 2024 but didn’t make a Super League appearance.

He did get game time in the Challenge Cup win over Leigh and does have a Super League game to his name from 2023 but Tennison could certainly put himself in the mix to play in 2025, something that will be very exciting.