Hull KR have beaten a number of other Super League clubs to sign one of the breakout stars from Salford Red Devils for the start of the 2026 season.
In a season full of sorrow for Salford, the emergence of rugby union convert Declan Murphy across the past month has been one of the shining lights for the Red Devils.
The talent of Murphy has not gone unnoticed though and Hull KR have signed the 20-year-old, beating out ‘several clubs’ to sign him to a three-year deal.
It’s a lot of faith shown by Hull KR given the fact that Murphy has played just three games of Super League, with the first of those appearances coming just three weeks ago.
Murphy featured against Hull KR on Thursday night in the Robins’ demolition of the Red Devils with Willie Peters’ side running in 14 tries to win 74-12. Man of Steel Mikey Lewis racked up eight assists whilst ex-Salford man Joe Burgess scored four of his own.
Hull KR sign Declan Murphy on three-year deal
Whilst Salford fans are still reeling from that defeat, they’ve unfortunately learnt the news that Hull KR have signed one of their most promising assets.
Murphy had joined Salford on trial and was only recently tied down until the end of the season, inking that contract on the 23rd of July, however, just over a week later and his future for 2026 and beyond has been decided.
Sharing the news, the Robins said: “Hull KR are delighted to confirm the signing of young fullback, Declan Murphy on a three-year deal keeping him at the club until at least the end of the 2028 season.
“The promising youngster will link up ahead of the new season after spending this year at Salford Red Devils.
“The 20-year old also spent time in Rugby Union, playing in the Saracens’ Academy set up whilst also spending time playing Rugby Union in New Zealand before coming back to England.”
Coming from rugby union, Murphy will actually count for just 50% on the Robins’ salary cap, something which Peters has previously admitted is quite tight.
What Declan Murphy said about signing for Hull KR
Speaking on the deal, Murphy said: “I’m excited to have signed for a club with such high standards and and big ambitions.
“They have amazing staff, players and support. I’m buzzing to be a part of this exciting environment and play under Willie Peters and his coaching staff.
“I’m looking forward to learning and developing new skills at Hull KR and can’t wait to get started.”
Robins’ head coach Willie Peters was also incredibly happy to get the deal done, revealing that it all happened “fairly quickly”.
Peters explained: “There were several clubs in for Declan and rightly so. Based on the potential that we see, and what the other clubs saw as well, we are very happy Declan chose Hull KR.
“We feel he’s the right fit for us and we’re the right fit for him in terms of his development.
“And this is the most important area now for Declan towards having a long and successful Super League career.”
Sportsmanship 🤝😅#UpTheRobins🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/CFcasEdMZ1
— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) August 1, 2025
