Hull KR have confirmed the signing of Papua New Guinea halfback Junior Bini Kaeaka to their Academy side as part of the club’s partnership Down Under.
The 17-year-old will join the Rovers academy set-up following the club’s partnership with Port Moresby Vipers.
It was previously reported and has now been confirmed that the young halfback is on his way to the UK and will start his training in East Hull over the coming weeks.
He will also attend college in the area as he learns to balance his education and rugby league career.
Kaeaka plays at halfback for his school’s rugby league team Iobuna Kouba Primary School as well as for the Vipers and has also captained the Port Moresby Schools’ side.
Hull KR have a rich heritage with PNG players, with Stanley Gene, Makali Aizue and John Okul all featuring for the Red and Whites.
Okul will also serve as Kaeaka’s welfare manager while in the UK.
Despite communication, visa and logistics issues since the initial announcement back in April 2024, the youngster has signed a two-year academy contract and has set off on his journey to Hull KR.
Kaeaka’s mum Pauline Nathaniel spoke to the PNG media following her son’s departure.
She said; “I’m so happy because of the struggles I’ve been through to raise him. It’s an opportunity that comes once so I don’t want to stop him and let this opportunity go.”
It is hoped that once Kaeaka is settled, Hull KR can begin to expand on their partnership and bring over more promising PNG youngsters for a chance to play in their academy and reserves set-up, with the ultimate goal of becoming first-team players.
Speaking after the initial partnership was announced, Hull KR’s Head of Academy Jason Netherton was excited to see how the partnership unfolds.
He said: “Players from PNG are traditionally very tough and uncompromising.
“I am looking forward to helping develop their skillset, embedding them into our culture and hopefully seeing them become future Hull KR players.”
The journey begins 🇵🇬🛫
Port Moresby Vipers’ junior, Junior Bini Kaeaka has now said his goodbyes in Papua New Guinea as he travels over to England to join our Academy! 🙌
See you soon, Junior 🫡 #UpTheRobins🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/XYqbBAyXrA
— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) March 29, 2025
