Hull KR will face Hull FC in what is expected to be the highest-attended Super League opener ever, however, the Robins have confirmed another major injury blow to their forward pack.
It had already been reported that Geordie forward Sam Luckley was likely to miss the opening two rounds of games but another of Hull KR’s big men has been added to the injury list.
That fresh addition to the injury list is Matty Storton, the 24-year-old now likely to be sidelined for four to six weeks per Willie Peters.
Peters spoke to BBC Humberside confirming the news: “Matty Storton’s got an elbow issue, which is unfortunate for him, so he’ll be on the sidelines for a few weeks but outside of that Reiss Butterworth had the head knock but we’re not too bad.”
Asked further on the time scale, Peters added: There’s some ligament damage there so it’s one of those where we just need to wait and see how it settles down. But at this stage, it could be four to six weeks.”
Storton played 25 times for Hull KR in 2023 as he proved himself to be a reliable and impactful runner and he now heads into his fifth season on Humberside.
Potentially more disappointing for the former Bradford man would be his strong pre-season, something Peters noted: “It’s disappointing for Matty because he’s had a really strong group season and certainly put himself in the frame for that Round 1 team. But unfortunately, now he’ll be four to six weeks.”
Hull KR signing to be one of the ‘best players in Super League’
Willie Peters expects new Hull KR signing Peta Hiku to be “one of the better players in the competition”. – Picture by John Clifton/SWpix.com
One man who will be fit for the opener against Hull FC is Hull KR’s biggest signing ahead of 2024, Peta Hiku.
The former Warrington Wolves man returns for another stint in England but this time he’ll be playing in red and white, as well as operating in a different position.
Hiku has been confirmed as KR’s full-back, something that had raised eyebrows given that his more natural position is in the centres, but Peters has reaffirmed his faith in the New Zealander.
“Peta Hiku showed last week how well he’s playing at full-back and how well he can play and will play,” he told BBC Humberside.
“He’s very exciting. I think he’s going to be one of the better players in the competition this year. I call him a footy player, a rugby player, he just knows the game. You can put him in different positions and he’ll do a good job.
“Some people obviously say he hasn’t played there and that there’s question marks. He needs to go prove that he’s a full-back but I have no doubt that he will prove that.
“He’s only going to get better with games. So he’s one that I’m sure he’ll play well next week but we’re going to see the best of him come round 10 onwards when he’s got that match fitness.”
