Jared Waerea-Hargreaves admits he has been surprised by the physicality of Super League as he prepares for his first taste of the Hull derby. The NRL legend made the move over to Hull KR in the off-season and so far, his time in east Hull has gone exactly to plan.
The Robins have won every game they’ve played over the opening two months of the campaign and as it stands, they sit three points clear at the top of the Super League table. They are also just two wins away from a Wembley appearance, with this afternoon’s Challenge Cup quarter-final against Hull FC arguably set to be their biggest test of the season so far.
Waerea-Hargreaves has played an important role in Rovers’ form, on and off the field, this season so far and he’s loving every minute.
“The quality of footy has been great,” the prop said before being asked if that had surprised him. “Probably the physicality, it’s been tough.
“It’s always tough and playing up front but it’s been great, really challenging. I’ve enjoyed it.
“We worked fairly hard in pre-season and conditions were challenging but it’s been great, the sun is starting to come out now and I’m enjoying each week and looking to improve as a team and be better each day.”
Waerea-Hargreaves has heard a lot about the Hull derby but he will get his first taste of it this afternoon. Of course, the New Zealand international has played in some huge games over his career but few carry the history of this afternoon’s tie as east and west go head to head at the MKM Stadium.
“There’s a lot of emotion behind it,” he said when asked about the derby. “I’m also a bit older so I understand the history and I enjoy that, what people have been through to be in the position they are and the people involved in clubs. I really enjoy the history of it all.
“[Hull FC] have been great. There’s a reason why they’re there and they’ve been playing some great footy for each other, it’s been great.”
Asked about Hull’s star performer Herman Ese’ese, who Waerea-Hargreaves will be battling through the middle, the Hull KR prop said: “He’s playing great footy. Credit to him, he’s just re-signed as well. For him having that stability there, he’s obviously working hard and playing some great footy.”
