Hull KR confirm signing of outside back

Hull KR have confirmed the signing of winger or centre Greg Minikin from Castleford.

The 24-year-old has signed a two-year deal from 2020, after spending the past four years with the Tigers.

Minikin made his name at York, scoring 20 tries in 39 games for the City Knights.

He has since gone on to play almost 100 games at Super League level, scoring 43 tries in the top flight.

He becomes Rovers’ eighth new signing for next season, following the announcements of Dean Hadley, Jez Litten, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Jordan Abdull, Ethan Ryan, Harvey Livett and Matty Gee.

“I am really happy and excited to be joining Hull Kingston Rovers,” he said. “I have only heard good things about the club from the players that I have spoken to in the past.

“The deal to come here was done quite a while ago. It was a relief when it all got sorted and I could then focus on finishing well with Castleford ahead of coming here for 2020.

“I met with Tony Smith for the first time only a couple of weeks ago. It was really interesting; I was a bit nervous beforehand, but he was a really nice guy and we chatted about all things pre-season. It has made me even more excited to join Rovers.

“I want to improve further on my game. I know the team has signed some great players next season that I can learn from and improve to be the best player that I can. I have watched Ethan Ryan, a fair bit, and he’s a really good finisher. Shaun Kenny-Dowall has played at the top level for New Zealand and in the NRL, and he is somebody that I can really learn from.”

KR head coach Tony Smith added: “Greg is a quality player, he is young, experienced, but still hungry to improve. He’s ambitious at the same time and I’m delighted to have him on board.

“He will add some of that enthusiasm and youthfulness but also experience of Super League.

“He’s played in big matches and played within a team that has been competing at the top end for the last few years. We need some of that knowledge and know-how from him to pass on to his fellow players.”