Hull KR: Five potential transfer targets to replace Ryan Hall

With the news that Ryan Hall will return to Leeds Rhinos, Hull KR must now find a replacement. KR have proven to be shrewd operators in the transfer market and will now begin the search for Hall’s replacement.

Hall is a key part of Hull KR’s attack. His power means he plays a key role in bringing the ball away from his own line. He is also almost impossible to stop from close range. With 52 tries in 83 appearances for the Robins, they are losing a key attacking weapon.

Here we look at five potential transfer targets who KR may be looking at to replace Ryan Hall.

Tom Davies

Wigan-born winger, Tom Davies, has been in superb form for Catalans Dragons since joining from the Warriors in 2020. He has scored four tries in six appearances this season. He is also an effective metre maker, having made 931 meters, averaging 8.62 metres gained per carry.

These stats compare favourably with Hall and show that Davies could match his impact at both ends of the field. Davies is off-contract at Catalans at the end of the season. Hull KR and St Helens are considering a move for Davies.

Davies seems the perfect replacement for Hall, if the Robins can get a deal over the line.

Umyla Hanley

The son of Rugby League legend Ellery Hanley, Umyla Hanley is enjoying a breakout season for the Leigh Leopards. Hanley joined Leigh from Wigan in 2023 and has caught the headlines, scoring five tries in eight games. His contract at Leigh expires at the end of the season.

He has scored two hat-tricks this season. The first came against Featherstone in the Challenge Cup, and the second against his old club, Wigan. Hanley is strong under the high ball and has pace to burn. Although he has less experience than other targets, he has huge potential.

Any player with Hanley on their shirt comes with huge expectations. Umyla could take the next step to fulfilling those with a move to Hull KR.

Jordan Rapana

If KR decide to look to the NRL to replace Hall, Jordan Rapana may be a good candidate, as a short-term replacement. Rapana comes with a wealth of experience with over 200 NRL games. He is also a New Zealand International and was part of their most recent World Cup Squad.

Rapana is off-contract at the end of the season. At 35 he is the oldest outside back still playing in the NRL. Despite this, he is still a regular for the Canberra Raiders. He has made five appearances this season, scoring two tries.

Although he has played mostly as a full-back this season, he has played a lot of games on the wing. If KR are looking at experience to replace Hall, Rapana fits the bill.

Konrad Hurrell

This one would require KR to shuffle the pack. Hurrell is a close match for Hall in size and power. The Tongan centre, currently a regular at St Helens, is available at the end of the season.

Hurrell is a powerful ball carrier and has a surprising turn of pace for a man of his size. He has demonstrated over his spells with Leeds Rhinos and St Helens that he possesses a similar threat to Hall from close range.

He has won grand finals and the World Club Challenge with Saints, and a Challenge Cup with Leeds. He would replace some of the winning mentality that KR lose with Hall’s departure.

However, as a centre, Hurrell is not a like for like match for Hall. With Petr Hiku, Tom Opacic and Oliver Gildart under contract, KR may opt against moving for Hurrell.

Tom Johnstone

This move would require a few moving parts to fall into place. But Tom Johnstone has proven over several years that he is one of Super League’s top wingers. Johnstone has overcome multiple injuries to become an England international, scoring five tries in two games for his country.

Many sources report that Johnstone has agreed to move back to Championship side, Wakefield, next year. However, the move hinges on Wakefield returning to Super League after last season’s relegation.

Trinity currently top the Championship and rank well against the IMG criteria, so their promotion seems likely. But if they were to miss out, Johnstone would surely be on KR’s radar.