Hull KR confirm overseas star will leave club

Super League leaders Hull KR have announced that centre Tom Opacic will leave the club at the end of the 2024 season, cutting short his contract with the club.

The Australian centre arrived at Craven Park ahead of the 2023 season and had a stellar first campaign for the Robins with his defensive stability one of his standout assets.

He has had a tougher 2024 campaign and has missed several games due to injury and form, with Hull KR having signed both Oliver Gildart and Peta Hiku ahead of the 2024 season as well as recruiting Jack Broadbent midway through.

The club have now confirmed that Opacic will leave at the end of the 2024 season which will undoubtedly draw the attention of several Super League rivals given his pedigree and the form he has shown whilst at Craven Park.

The club announced his exit via a statement on their website, reading: “Hull KR can confirm Tom Opacic will depart the club at the conclusion of the 2024 Betfred Super League Season.”

Hull KR confirm Opacic exit

Opacic becomes the second Hull KR player in the past week to have his exit confirmed after the announcement last week that Matty Storton would be signing for Wakefield Trinity in 2025.

Just like Storton, Opacic will still have his eyes firmly focused on the prize with Hull KR aiming to win silverware for the first time since 1985 as they potentially chase a League Leaders Shield and Grand Final double.

KR’s statement on Opacic continued: “The former Parramatta Eel has played 45 times for the Robins since signing ahead of the 2023 season.

“The Australian centre has gone on to score 13 tries for the side on top of his huge defensive efforts in Red & White.

“In 2023, Opacic played 30 games, including the Betfred Challenge Cup Final, and was an important figure in helping Hull KR reach the 2023 Betfred Super League Play-Offs.”

The centre’s exit now opens the door for another overseas player to join the club and that is widely reported as being Rhyse Martin with the Leeds Rhinos second-rower heavily linked with a move to Hull KR following confirmation he will leave the Rhinos.

Robins coach praises exiting star

Whilst Opacic has played less this season, he has still been a huge player under Willie Peters with the centre arriving in England at the same time as Peters.

Speaking on Opacic’s exit, Hull KR Head Coach, Willie Peters said: “I’d like to wish Tom (Opacic), Jordyn, and the kids all the best in their next chapter.

“Tom has played an important role over the last two seasons and we thank him for his contribution to get Hull KR to where it is today.

“As we look to the end of the season, Tom remains an important member of the squad for the remainder of 2024.”

Opacic has played 15 games for the Robins this year, most recently appearing in the 20-12 win over Leeds Rhinos in Round 18.