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Hull KR in a “better place” than 2024 with silverware statements made

Hull KR

Hull KR are in a “better place” than in 2024 with the club eager to become a team that wins finals as opposed to making finals.

That’s the verdict of full-back Niall Evalds who has spoken on the Sportsman Rugby League YouTube channel to contemplate the Robins’ 2024 and forecast what is to come in 2025.

In Willie Peters’ second season at Craven Park, the Robins recorded their highest ever Super League finish as they placed second before then making the Grand Final for the first time in history.

Unfortunately for them, Wigan Warriors denied them both the League Leaders Shield and the Grand Final as Matt Peet’s side completed their historic campaign.

Hull KR want to be that team in 2025 and beyond with Evalds explaining the addictive nature of making it to the big game.

“I think the more you experience those big games and big occasions, it makes you want them more,” he explained.

“As a group, we fell short at the final hurdle so the talk of pre-season has been about bridging that gap and becoming a top team that doesn’t just compete for trophies but actually wins them. That’s the aim.”

Hull KR in a “better place than last year” claims full-back

Niall Evalds being interviewed after a Super League victory over Hull FC. Being Player of the Match, he has a medal on. England

Credit: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com

Evalds had one of the best seasons of his career in his debut campaign with Hull KR as the full-back racked up the assists in a free-flowing attack that was orchestrated by Man of Steel Mikey Lewis and half-back partner Tyrone May.

Speaking on the club’s ability to get past that final hurdle, Evalds pointed to such stars explaining: “The players we’ve got like Mikey and Tyrone, there are some special players in there who can pull stuff out of the bag.

“As a team though, we’ve got to be able to earn the right to play and do all the tough things that fans might not notice to be able to pull those moments out.

“As a team and as a spine, we feel we’re a better place than we were last year. We’re more connected, we’ve had a year of playing together so we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. We’re feeling confident.”

The core reason behind that belief is the work ethic that has been drilled into those at Craven Park under Peters’ coaching, something that Evalds noted with the squad depth ensuring those who do not buy in simply don’t play.

He added: “Even the young players have got a real work ethic. All the players buy into it, you don’t have the right to a spot. You have to earn it.”

Hull KR’s star signing explains supporting role

- 18/12/2024 - Rugby League - Betfred Super League - Hull KR Media Day - Sewell Group Craven Park, Hull, England - Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.

Credit: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com

Whilst Evalds spoke on the strength of the spine, he also claimed the squad as a whole has improved and one of the big reasons for that was the signing of NRL icon Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.

Hull KR confirmed the Kiwi’s signing way back in February and that statement signing certainly showed that the Robins are not messing around when it comes to recruitment and their efforts to chase silverware.

Whilst he is in the twilight of his career, he will bring a culture that cannot be matched and that was evident in his own passion supporting the club last year.

He explained: “As soon as I signed, I started watching throughout the season and I got really excited to be honest with you. I saw the type of footy they play and as it got to the end of last year for myself, I couldn’t wait to get on the plane and get over here to experience it for myself.

“They’ve been playing a certain style for a while now, it doesn’t really vary too often but it’s about staying in your lane and sticking to what you know.

“I’m really excited to try and be a positive addition to what the club has been building these last few years. To try and support these guys and do my role for the team.”

Having experienced over 300 NRL games, Waerea-Hargreaves is no stranger to the long slog of the rugby league season and he’s backed himself to help the club from that mentor aspect as well as from a playing impact.

The former Roosters man said: “It’s such a long year and we’re going to face lots of challenges throughout the year but I’ve got a fair bit of experience and I feel like I can be a big addition to support these guys who have been at the club for a while now. Suporting them in the good times but also in the challenging ones as well.”

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