Hull KR have announced the signing of young star Bill Leyland from London Broncos to help replace veteran hooker Matt Parcell, who is widely expected to retire.
The Robins have got one of the best squads in Super League currently, as evidenced by their current position of third, however, they’re building a mightily impressive squad for 2025.
New signings such as Eribe Doro, Tom Davies and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves have already been announced and Bill Leyland now becomes the third addition.
For some fans, he will be an unknown given that he’s yet to play this season as he undergoes recovery from an ACL injury that ended his year just before the eve of the new campaign.
However, he played a pivotal role in London Broncos earning promotion with the hooker being named as Young Player of the Year in the Championship in 2023.
The 21-year-old only has 35 senior appearances to his name but the Kent native is an extremely exciting talent and crucially for Hull KR, he fills a position of need.
Overseas star Matt Parcell has not been offered a contract for 2025 and it’s widely believed that he will call time on the sport, turning 32 in October. His departure would leave KR with a huge gap behind incumbent Jez Litten as current third-choice hooker Reiss Butterworth is also off contract.
That’s why Leyland, albeit not the biggest name, is one of the savviest signings that a Super League side will make for 2025 and he’s one that suits Hull KR perfectly.
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Hull KR sign 2023 Young Player of the Year
Credit: Imago Images
Bill Leyland was one of over 20 players who started the season at London Broncos without a deal in place for 2025. Several of those have since secured new deals but both Bill and his brother Oli, who plays in the spine too, are yet to sign new deals.
Hull KR have swooped in for Bill and got him to sign to play at Craven Park with the club announcing that he has signed on a two-year deal from 2025. The news was announced via their club site.
Their statement read: “Hull KR are excited to confirm the signing of young hooker, Bill Leyland on a two-year deal from the 2025 Betfred Super League season.
“The 21-year-old was a standout for the London Broncos in their Championship season that led to Super League promotion, making 32 appearances and scoring 13 tries. An Invicta Panthers junior, Leyland came through the Broncos academy and made his first team debut in June 2022.
“The Maidstone junior will miss the entirety of the 2024 Betfred Super League following an ACL injury sustained in pre-season but will look to return for Hull KR’s pre-season ahead of 2025.”
What they said as Bill Leyland signs for the Robins
Speaking on the singing of Bill Leyland, Willie Peters said: “Were really happy to sign Bill (Leyland) on a two-year deal as we see him as a future first team player at Hull KR. We showed interest in Bill last year but he decided to finish his studies before moving out of London.
“Bill has been unlucky with his injury this season but he’s a big body with some real power and we’re looking forward to him joining the side next season. What I admire about Bill is his self-confidence and his drive to want to improve. Bill wants to take himself and Hull KR up to the next level next season.”
Bill Leyland added: “I’m really excited to be joining Hull KR. I’ve always wanted to push myself and be ambitious in the game and I think this is the right club to take my game to the next level.
“Willie sold me on the club and there was a lot of things he said which I resonated with. It made it a very easy decision and I was keen to sign straight away.
“My explosiveness is a big part of my game. I’m a player that loves to run. I’m really excited to learn from Jez Litten and the other senior players to refine my game. I think it’s a massive thing to take me forward and hopefully take Hull KR forward.”
