Robins sign NRL forward

Hull Kingston Rovers have announced the signing of NRL forward Albert Vete until the end of the 2022 season, subject to visa.

Vete, who has made two appearances for Tonga, has played six times for the Melbourne Storm this year on their way to the NRL Premiership title.

He told the club website: “At first, I was hesitant to move all the way to England to play footy, but once I talked to a few people they convinced me it’s the right move for me at the age I’m at.

“I want to keep playing footy and to keep growing, I’m only 27 so I know I’ve still got a lot of footy in me, I’m very keen to get over to England and learn.

“The reason Hull KR came about is because my manager knows Tony Smith. I’ve spoken to Tony a couple of times, he wanted to get to know me and to see how my season was traveling.

“We talked some footy and then when the season finished we started to talk serious. He explained to me where the club is heading, he wants me to come and add value to the club, and that’s what I’m looking to do.”

Head coach Tony Smith added: “It’s a great acquisition for us, he’s the right age, right size and at the right stage of his career. He’s got some go forward, he’s got lots of Rugby left in him, so he’ll have a really good impact for us in the future.

“He’s a really nice young man, who’s come through a really good programme at Melbourne Storm, we’ve had lots of good reviews on him from the Melbourne staff. We are delighted that he’s coming over here for the right reasons, with the right attitude and the right maturity to help us in our rebuilding here.

“Coming from the current NRL Champions he comes with good pedigree and a good understanding of what it takes to be successful. He’s able to bring some of those experiences to us, and to our young people to help them along the way, whilst leading from the front.”