Nathan Cayless’ first words as Hull KR confirm first signing of new era

Hull KR have announced their first recruit for the 2027 season and the first of the Nathan Cayless era, with outside back Moala Graham-Taufa signed up.

Whilst Willie Peters’ exit was already confirmed with the Australian having coached his final Hull KR game over a week ago, this signing feels like the true transition, as is it is of course Cayless and not Peters commenting on the club’s new recruit.

Club CEO Paul Lakin recently confirmed that three signings had been made but they would not be announced until the end of the season, and Graham-Taufa has now become the first of those to be announced.

Graham-Taufa has signed a two-year deal at Craven Park with the centre/winger becoming the first recruit confirmed for the 2027 season, with Hull KR becoming the 13th team to announce a new signing. Only Wigan Warriors are yet to announce any additions for 2027 so far.

Aged 24, Graham-Taufa has played seven NRL games but he’s been a standout in the New South Wales Cup, where he’s impressed for the past four seasons, scoring 50 tries in 81 games.

Nine of those tries came in his 17 appearances for Souths’ reserves this season, with Graham-Taufa typically lining up at centre though it’s expected that he may serve as Joe Burgess’ replacement and play on the wing for Hull KR.

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Hull KR sign Moala Graham-Taufa for 2027

The Robins confirmed his arrival via a club statement, that read: “Hull KR are delighted to announce the signing of exciting outside back Moala Graham-Taufa on a two-year deal from the 2027 Super League season.”

Born in New Zealand, Graham-Taufa moved to Australia and came through the Sydney Roosters system, debuting for them in 2021 before returning to New Zealand and signing with the Warriors.

Talking above his move to Craven Park, Graham-Taufa said: “This is an opportunity for me to prove myself in the Super League and take on a new challenge.

“I think I’ll bring a lot of energy to the group and I’m excited to pull on the Hull KR jersey and represent the club and the fans.”

New head coach Nathan Cayless, who coached Parramatta’s reserve team therefore has a very strong understanding of the New South Wales Cup, argued: “In my opinion, Moala has been the best centre in the NSW Cup in 2026.”

On what the outside back will bring, he said: “The attributes that attracted me to him are his powerful running, his tackle-breaking ability and the fact he’s a try-scorer.

“These are things that will complement what we already have and help us continue to improve the squad.”

Hull KR are delighted to announce the signing of exciting outside back Moala Graham-Taufa on a two-year deal! ✍️

Read more 👉 https://t.co/A8VfgYEtZq#UpTheRobins🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/QIy5dPXWxD

— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) September 29, 2026