Hull KR, Saints, Super League and the RFL agreed the change which sees the fixture now take place two days earlier, on the Friday, rather than the original Sunday date.

The move will see Craven Streat under the lights as Lachlan Coote’s Robins welcome the Super League champions to Hull College Craven Park.

Three-time Super League Grand Final winner Coote had been offered a new contract by St Helens, but turned it down in favour of a move to East Hull because that’s where he believed he was most wanted.

“It was all about going to a place that I was really wanted, that was so big for me,” Coote said.

“Hull KR showed that they were keen on me and, in conversations with Tony Smith, it was settled.

“When a place invests you and shows they really want you to play for their club that will bring the best out of you in rugby league.”

The former North Queensland Cowboys talisman revealed that Saints were simply ‘heading in another direction’ and that it was his time to leave.

“Saints were heading in another direction and that’s the game, with the salary cap.

“The team we’ve had for the past three years, they had to juggle with young players and give them upgraded contracts.

“But that meant that they had to let go some blokes and unfortunately that was the case for me but I’ve come to a club that really wants me.”

Coote couldn’t hide his disappointment that Saints only offered to keep him for one more year.

“At first, I felt a bit disappointed.

“It was difficult to leave Saints, it was a sort of a kick in the guts that they were only going to offer me one year, but it is what it is and that’s the game.

“It’s just too hard to hang onto a team that we had for the last three years and it was hard, but I’ve been really looking forward to coming here.”