Four players Hull KR should sign for 2025

Hull KR have signed up the most important piece of the puzzle after securing Willie Peters on a new deal until 2028, but what immediate signings for 2025 should the Robins be looking at?

There’s no denying that Hull KR are a team on the rise and as such the quality of players that they can attract and also should be aiming to sign has increased. That creates a more limited pool of players and also creates financial restraints as quality players don’t come cheap.

For the 2024 season, Hull KR recruited incredibly well though and they still did so without breaking the bank. They gambled on the fitness of Niall Evalds who has gone on to become one of the signings of the season, whilst they acted fastest to snap up Joe Burgess following his release from Salford Red Devils.

The Robins have already confirmed the major signing of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves for 2025 with the NRL legend set to to join the club’s forward pack, whilst there are plenty of reports that they’ve beaten St Helens to winger Tom Davies.

With that in mind, what are four other positions and players that Hull KR should be aiming to sign?

QUIZ: Can you name these 10 former Hull KR players?

Four players Hull KR should aim to sign for 2025

Zach Dockar-Clay (Sydney Roosters) – Hooker

Hull KR have a glaring need at backup hooker with the depth behind Jez Litten after the end of the season being incredibly limited. Both Matt Parcell and Reiss Butterworth are off-contract with Parcell expected to retire and Butterworth seemingly not cutting the mustard at Super League level.

Behind that pair is young Lennie Ellis from the academy but more depth is still needed and Zach Dockar-Clay could be the man. The 29-year-old can play at dummy-half or in the halves and does have links to Hull KR.

He actually played for the club back in 2017 when the Robins were in the Championship and would potentially be the perfect man to come in and support Jez Litten, whilst offering half-back cover, as the Robins look to earn silverware. Off-contract at the end of the year, he could follow fellow Sydney Rooster JWH to Craven Park.

James Donaldson (Leeds Rhinos) – Second-Row

Another man who played for Hull KR during their days in the Championship is James Donaldson and he’s another player off-contract. Leeds Rhinos’ industrious forward had his contract extended last year on a one-year deal, but no new deal has been offered yet.

He’ll turn 33 in September but has shown no real signs of slowing down in his testimonial year. That testimonial match was actually played against Hull KR back in February, suggesting that the Robins still hold a place in his heart.

With Matty Storton reportedly set to join Wakefield Trinity, Donaldson could be a brilliant replacement and knows just what it takes to be a Hull KR player too and play in front of the Craven Park faithful.

Eribe Doro (Bradford Bulls) – Prop

Yet another out-of-contract player and one that Willie Peters has explained he ‘likes what he sees’ is Eribe Doro of Bradford Bulls. Rugby League Live reported late in May that Hull KR were keeping an eye on the forward and Peters has since spoken on his qualities.

It wouldn’t be the first time that Hull KR have poached a young forward from Bradford with AJ Wallace signing with the Robins ahead of the 2023 season. Wallace has struggled for game time and has spent time out on loan and dual registration, and perhaps could be a bargaining chip if KR were to move for Doro.

With George King widely reported to be moving to Huddersfield Giants and the only incoming prop confirmed being Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, who will be 36 when the 2025 campaign starts, a young talent like Doro could be a smart signing.

Brent Naden (Wests Tigers) Centre/Winger

Hull KR have a plethora of talent at centre but they’d potentially have to lose a centre to bring in Brent Naden. Tom Opacic has found himself out of favour in 2024 and despite being contracted until 2025, could make way for Naden who offers more ability to play on the wing.

The reason why Naden is a likely candidate is because Wests Tigers are effectively having a firesale to be able to afford the huge $1.2 million contract that they’re set to pay Jarome Luai from 2025. That’s seen players such as John Bateman offered up to Super League clubs and Naden is no different.

Jenna Brooks of Sky Sports reported that KR are interested in Naden and given that KR will be losing winger Ryan Hall, extra depth and competition alongside Joe Burgess and the expected arrival Tom Davies would be welcome.

“A lot of the talk this week has been surrounding the West Tigers’ Chief Executive Shane Richardson. He’s in the UK trying to offload some players to free up space on their salary cap,” Brooks explained, before adding: “Hull KR are taking a look at centre or winger Brent Naden.”