Hull KR secure bright young star on long term deal

Hull KR have confirmed that Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e has signed a new two-year extension with the club until the end of the 2025 Betfred Super League season.

A former Leicester Tiger junior, PLT made the mid-season switch from Keighley Cougars in 2021 before re-joining the Cougars on-loan for the rest of their League 1 season.

Fast forward to the following year, the 19-year-old made his Hull KR debut in the Robins’ round 3 win over Castleford last February and went onto make 7 Super League appearances in 2022.

Able to play at fullback, hooker and at halfback, the Brisbane-born speedster has already exhibited his x-factor in attack.

With lightning pace and dangerous footwork, Laulu-Togaga’e grew into his first-full season at Hull KR as he enjoyed time playing for the Robins’ first team and reserves alongside loan-spells with Dewsbury Rams and Rochdale Hornets.

Speaking on the extension, Hull KR Head Coach Willie Peters was delighted to see the Robins’ secure Laulu-Togaga’e for two more years: ‘Phoenix is only 19 and he was identified early on as a player we want to retain.

‘It’s exciting for the club that he’s resigned for a further two years so he can continue his development with us during his formative years. Already, Phoenix has improved in such a small space of time since we started pre-season and we’re delighted to reward that effort with a new deal.

‘This is only his (PLT) second year in a full-time environment. We hope to continue to see him develop and mature in those surroundings for the next two years and beyond.’

Ahead of the Robins’ friendlies against Featherstone later this month and Leeds Rhinos in February, Peters is looking forward to seeing what PLT can do in a number of positions: ‘He’ll get an opportunity in the pre-season friendlies at fullback and in the halves. The beauty of Phoenix is he can play anywhere in the spine, which is exciting.

‘He has high expectations of himself and where he wants to go in his career, and we see ourselves as the right fit to help him get to where he wants to be.’

Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e was pleased to continue his development at Hull KR until the end of 2025: “I’m very happy with it. It shows that Willie is pretty happy with what he’s seen so far from me, coming into this professional environment just over a year ago has helped me develop massively already.

‘This year, pre-season has been really challenging in a good way. I’ve learned more than I’ve ever learned in such a small amount of time. It’s definitely stepped up from last year, the higher intensity has helped me and the boys a lot, not only skill wise but fitness wise too, I think.

‘As a young player I try to soak up as much as I can from the experienced boys. Having players like Cootie around me in my position and coaches who have played in the halves like Willie (Peters) and Danny (McGuire) is great. I’m excited for what the future holds.’