Former Hull KR forward signs contract with Super League club

Castleford Tigers, like Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, Hull FC and Hull KR have been busy in terms of recruitment but have now made a key retention.

Former Hull KR prop George Lawler has signed a two year extension at the Jungle.

George joined the Fords in 2022 from Hull Kingston Rovers and has since played on 29 occasions for the club, scoring twice.

Lawler is pleased to be staying at the Jungle for the next two years and wants to get the club back to a place where the fans can be proud.

“I’m really looking forward to this year after a year that didn’t go the best and was embarrassing at times, we need a massive pre-season underneath us and with signings we’ve made hopefully it will be a lot better next year. This season we need to show a bit more grit and a lot more togetherness because that goes a long way.”

“The boys who have already signed and the players coming over for next year seem excited about it. I’m happy to stay for the next two years. We need to get back where Cas fans can be proud of us each week and we will be putting the work in and giving them something to shout about”.

It was confirmed recently that former teammate Rowan Milnes would join him.

Milnes came through the academy system with Bradford Bulls before moving to Hull KR in 2020. Rowan joins the club having played 49 times for the Robins alongside some loan spells back at Bradford, Dewsbury and Wakefield. He also featured in this year’s Challenge Cup final defeat for KR at Wembley.

He is a dedicated halfback and prides himself on his kicking game, and his organisational skills that allow him to dictate the areas in which his teams attack.

Milnes spoke of his pride to be joining the Fords and is excited to link up with some familiar faces at Wheldon Road.

“I’m delighted, I can’t wait to get started, I’ve played there a few times, and the fans are just so passionate, so I’m looking forward to them cheering me on this time. It’s been a pretty quick turnaround but I can’t wait, every time I’ve played as an away team it’s been a tough place to come and the fans get behind the team so I can’t wait to be on the right side of that, I can’t wait to get going, it’s a big club and hopefully we can turn it around next year with a good crop of young players coming in and I’m excited to meet the boys, meet the fans and get started.”

“I bring a lot of organisational skills; I can help lead the boys around the park. I back my kicking game and I’m a playmaker so hopefully I can help the boys around into some good positions. There are some exciting players I’m looking forward to meeting and excited to work with.”

“There are a few of the boys I already know like Will Tate from Hull KR and Alex Mellor from my Bradford days so I’m excited, it’s a new fresh start and I can’t wait to get going.”