Hull KR coach confirms next recruitment target as options assessed amid injury concern

Hull KR head coach Willie Peters has spoken about one of the club’s pressing recruitment targets whilst assessing options in the immediacy.

That position is hooker with Hull KR currently without Micky McIlorum and having Bill Leyland as a doubt on account of an ankle injury.

McIlorum tore his bicep in the loss against Wigan Warriors and is out for an extended period whilst Leyland suffered an ankle injury late in the first-half against Huddersfield but did return, however, Peters has since confirmed that the former London Broncos man is a doubt despite naming him in the 21-man squad for Friday.

On the youngster’s injury, Peters said: “He’s not too bad, he trained today and then he sort of faltered again so that’s one that we’re going to have to make a call on later on in the week.”

Asked by Serious About Rugby League who would be the next man up, he conceded that Danny Richardson would be in line for a call-up.

“I think Richo would probably be more that option,” he explained, adding: “He can come on and play half and he can play hooker as well. He’s trained well, so I’ve certainly got faith that he can go on and do a job there.

“Lennie (Ellis) has been playing a lot of half-back. He’s gone to London, but I’d probably see Richo as a person to be able to step in.”

Hull KR coach confirms plans to sign hooker amid Leyland praise

With Leyland named to the squad, it’s assumed that he is not a long-term injury so Hull KR can cope for the time being with utility Richardson as their back-up but they’re set to head into the market for 2026.

Micky McIlorum has effectively conceded that he won’t play beyond 2025 with the Robins, meaning Leyland would likely become the number two to Jez Litten.

Asked by Serious About Rugby League if a third-choice hooker was a pressing area of recruitment, Peters admitted: “It’s definitely an area that we need to look at and one we are looking at.

“It’s an area that we need to make sure that we get right and bring someone in that’s going to be suitable.”

It could even be the case that the number nine Hull KR move for is an ‘old head’, as McIlorum is, to offer leadership within the position group as Peters spoke about how raw Leyland is still

“The thing about Bill is he’s only green, he’s very raw,” the Australian noted.

“He hasn’t played a lot of rugby league in general and in the short space of time, he’s doing a really good job but he’s only going to get better and better.

“Once he fully understands the game and understands his body, understands how to train properly, He’s doing that at the moment but you only learn that over time, you need time. I’m happy the way Bill’s developing and he’s doing a decent job for us at the moment and he’s getting some game time which is good.

“There will be opportunities for Bill, we’re looking at Bill as a long term player at our club, we hope he’s around for longer.”

Our travelling squad for Friday night 👊#UpTheRobins🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/T8BpAWpuch

— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) May 21, 2025