Jon Wilkin believes the signing of Rhyse Martin solves one major issue Hull KR have struggled with this season.
The Robins are top of the Super League table at present and having thumped St Helens at the weekend, they’ll fancy their chances of kicking on to not only claim the League Leaders’ Shield but also reach the Grand Final for the very first time.
However, KR supporters would be feeling even better about their chances this season if the club had an established and reliable goal kicking option. That mantle has been shared across a number of players this season with Mikey Lewis and Jez Litten holding it at present to varying degrees of success.
The signing of Martin from Leeds Rhinos appears to nip that issue well and truly in the bud with the back-rower recording over 1,000 points during his six years at Headingley, with most of those coming from the kicking tee.
It’s a deal that makes an awful lot of sense for Wilkin, then, with Martin, who has penned a two-year deal in east Hull, becoming the club’s seventh signing for 2025.
“I think that’s all they seem to do at the minute, good business,” Wilkin told Sky Sports. “Rhyse Martin has been a standout performer for Leeds Rhinos and really consistent in a patch where Leeds as a team have been inconsistent, out of the play-offs and out of the running.
“For Hull KR to get someone of his pedigree, I think it’s great for them. One thing it really solves for them is their kicking problem. They’ve dabbled with Mikey Lewis and Jez Litten has kicked a few goals, but Rhyse Martin and his competency in front of goal without doubt will be just a big asset.
“He’s so experienced and he just adds to what is already looking like a very strong Hull KR squad for 2025.”
Martin joins Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Micky McIlorum, Eribe Doro, Tom Davies, Bill Leyland and Danny Richardson in signing with the Robins for next season.
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