Hull KR sign up two young trialists after impressing

Hull KR have announced the signing of Jacob Parkinson and Keiran Smith to Academy deals following successful trial periods with the club.

The pair had previously played for the Robins’ U16s before taking up Academy trial deals during this pre-season. After impressing during their trial periods, Head of Player Development, Jason Netherton was delighted to sign the duo up:

“It’s great for the players and for us as well. Both Jacob and Kieran were on our scholarship program but weren’t quite ready for a professional contract. They were given aspects of the game they needed to improve and to their credit, they’ve worked on those and improved. 

“So much so, they were given three-month trials at the beginning of pre-season and we’ve decided to offer these young men deals before the end of their trial periods. They’ve shown through their attitude and capabilities how much they wanted to earn those contracts – and they’ve done it.”

The double signing compliments a successful scholarship recruitment period in the off-season from the Robins’ Academy as the club looks to further invest in the city’s young talents.

Netherton noted: “We’re putting together a really good group of people. We’re really happy with where we are at the moment. We still have some improving to do as an Academy, but we’re on the right track.”