Hull KR have announced a third new signing in just five days with the Robins recruiting yet another overseas player from the NRL reserve grade.
After signing Moala Graham-Taufa and Eddie Hampson from the New South Wales and Queensland Cups respectively, Rovers have now added 23-year-old prop Salesi Ataata to their 2027 squad.
Like Graham-Taufa, Ataata signs from South Sydney Rabbitohs, whose New South Wales Cup side he has represented 43 times across the past two seasons.
He’s also played four games in the NRL pre-season but is yet to make an official senior appearance for the Bunnies, whereas incoming teammate Graham-Taufa had played seven games at NRL level.
Still only 23, Ataata has signed a two-year deal with Hull KR as he adds to the club’s pack ahead of the 2027 season, with Rovers having seen the likes of Tevita Pangai Jr and Rhyse Martin, for who Hampson could be a like-for-like replacement, departing at the end of the 2026 campaign.
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Hull KR sign Salesi Ataata as Rovers follow Wakefield Trinity blueprint
The Robins have announced the signing of Salesi Ataata on the same day that Wakefield Trinity are competing in a first-ever Super League Grand Final, and many of the stars in Daryl Powell’s side hailed from the Australian reserve system.
Caleb Hamlin-Uele, Ky Rodwell, Caius Faatili, Isaiah Vagana, and Tray Lolesio all arrive from the second-tier competition down under, and Hull KR have now added three of their own.
They’re also not blind in that recruitment as incoming head coach Nathan Cayless was Parramatta Eels’ reserves coach, meaning he’s coached against the players he has signed up and Ataata was one of those he was very impressed with.
As quoted in Hull KR’s press release, Cayless said: “Salesi is a powerful 6’3” middle. He’s a former centre who’s transitioned into the front row, so he’s powerful, fast and bends the line every time he carries the ball.
“He moves very well defensively and that’s one of the key reasons I was attracted to him as a player.
“I’ve coached against Salesi on numerous occasions, and he’s someone who consistently pops up in our video previews as one of the opposition’s most dangerous players.”
Ataata himself added: “I’m excited to represent a club with so much history like Hull KR.
“I’ve heard so much about the fans and how passionate they are, so I can’t wait to pull on the jersey and make the club and the fans proud.”
Welcome to the Robins, Salesi Ataata! 👋
The powerful prop becomes our third addition ahead of the 2027 season, signing a two-year deal ✍️
Read more 👉 https://t.co/HO6R6IfFZI#UpTheRobins🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/a1UE3KHU1l
— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) October 3, 2026
