Hull KR have put yet more faith in their youth by handing talented forward Leo Tennison a new two-year contract extension that will keep him with the club until the end of the 2026 season.
It’s another sign of the Robins doing things ‘right’ in this current era under Willie Peters with local talent being developed and promoted at the club, Tennison is potentially set to follow in the footsteps of Mikey Lewis or other rising stars such as Lennie Ellis and Louix Gorman.
Unlike that trio, Tennison is a forward and at 6’4 he strikes an imposing figure for being just 20 years old. The front-rower also has plenty of experience in the men’s game already having had loan spells with Cornwall in the 2023 season.
He also debuted in Super League during KR’s game before the Challenge Cup Final in which Willie Peters opted to rest most of his starters, and he’s since been a feature in the club’s 21-man squads this season too.
The Robins confirmed his new deal via their social media and with a statement attached to their website that read: “Hull KR are delighted to announce young forward, Leo Tennison has signed a new two-year deal with the club, keeping the Academy product at Sewell Group Craven Park until the end of the 2026 season.”
“It’s a good feeling” – Hull KR youngster comments on new contract
The club statement continued with comments from Tennison himself who outlined his delight at the deal whilst also offering his insight on the men’s game so far, and how he hopes to keep developing.
He said: “I’m really happy with the new deal. I’m glad that I’ve played and trained well enough to be offered a new deal, it’s a good feeling to keep progressing.”
In reference to his Hull KR debut, he added: “I’d played a bit of League One for Cornwall prior to the game so I felt quite comfortable playing against bigger opposition.
“The game speed was definitely a lot quicker (against Wigan) but I really enjoyed it and it felt good to make my debut in front of a great away following from our fans.”
Tennison hopes to feature for Hull KR and their dual-registration partners Featherstone Rovers to keep racking up minutes, explaining: “It’ll be a good challenge going to play in the championship.
“To play against players who do a full week’s work then bring the intensity and physicality to the game, that’s a big test that I’m looking forward to.
“Over the next few years, I want to stick my neck out a bit more and work my way into the first team. I was the 18th man for our game against Leeds, so I was on the cusp there but I want to work my way into the team this year and next year and earn a place in the side.”
Hull KR head coach Willie Peters was also delighted with the deal, adding: “I’m really pleased for Leo as he’s worked extremely hard to improve all areas of his game, which is why he’s being rewarded with a new two-year extension.
“The main focus for Leo is to continue training at the standards he’s set as that will fast track his chances of playing regular first grade. Leo is a quality person, a Hull KR Academy graduate and someone we’re proud to have in our squad.
“To become a Super League player, you have to prove yourself at Championship level. Leo is definitely proving himself in the Reserve grade and that next level is to prove himself as a Championship front-rower.”
Hull KR take on Hull FC tomorrow with details of the TV coverage available here.
