Hull KR host Wakefield Trinity this weekend in what will be their first and only run out of pre-season.
Willie Peters’ side have a hectic few weeks coming up with the start of their Super League defence being followed swiftly by the World Club Challenge and a trip to Las Vegas to take on Leeds Rhinos.
It’s a list of events that Rovers supporters could have only dreamed of a couple of years ago, but in 2026, it is very much a reality, with Peters’ side the established top dogs in the Northern Hemisphere at present.
As such, Rovers will be hard at work in their bid to ensure they are ready for the new season and while the head coach has named a youthful squad, Sunday’s friendly is part of that preparation.
New signings Karl Lawton, Jordan Dezaria, Jack Charles, Tom Whitehead, Declan Murphy and Jumah Sambou will all get a run out for the Robins, but a number of youngsters have also been named in the 20-man squad.
Here’s a look at some of those KR kids to watch out for this week and this season.
Cobie Wainhouse
Wainhouse joined up with the Robins in August on an initial loan from local rivals Hull FC. As such, he was around the KR first-team during the end of last season and could be seen in and around the treble celebrations.
That will have been a valuable experience for the prop, who has penned a two-year deal with the club and he’ll have been keen to build on that over pre-season by catching the eye of Peters in training.
If selected, he’ll have the opportunity he has been craving to run out in red and white and showcase his ability and he might just be able to get his foot in the door.
Zach Fishwick
A product of the Hull KR academy, Fishwick has been around the first team picture at Craven Park for some time. The front-rower made his debut for the Robins in 2022 and made seven appearances that season but hasn’t featured for KR since.
He has made eight appearances on loan at Featherstone Rovers, though, while outingsat Bradford Bulls and Hunslet have also come, with a stint coming at the latter last season.
The 20-year-old will be keen to take the next steps in his career this year, though, and Rovers would dearly love him to do that, too, as they strive to promote players from within.
Louix Gorman
Like Fishwick, Gorman made his debut for KR some time ago. His first run out for the club came in 2023 in the loss to Wigan Warriors but his only senior minutes since have come while out on loan.
Having said that, last season was a big one for the Gorman as he got opportunities with Featherstone, London Broncos and Salford Red Devils. His best spell came with the Broncos, touching down five times in eight games, but he didn’t look out of place in the Salford line up either.
He has stiff competition for places at centre, but a strong performance against Wakefield might just give Peters some food for thought, particularly with places available for the Challenge Cup clash with Lock Lane in a couple of weeks.
Frankie Dearlove
Dearlove is a new face in the first-team set up after being promoted from the youth system ahead of the 2026 campaign. He’s signed professional terms until the end of 2027 and the club evidently have high hopes for the back-rower.
Just getting a run out this weekend would be a boost for Dearlove and eyes will be on the Yorkshire representative to see how he handles the men’s game.
Declan Murphy
Rovers snapped Murphy up from Salford Red Devils last season after his impressive showings under Paul Rowley. The young full-back has penned a three-year deal with the club and he’ll have arrived in east Hull with plenty of confidence after making seven Super League appearances last season.
He’s quick, lively and intelligent on the ball and while his background is in rugby union, he looks a natural for the 13-man code. He’s another Hull KR fans will be keen to get a glimpse of on Sunday.
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