What Willie Peters has just said about Tom Amone as Hull KR sign prop

Hull KR head coach Willie Peters has had his say on the Super League leaders signing former Leigh Leopards prop Tom Amone from the 2026 season.

Amone was among the very best props in the Super League competition during his time in England and that was recognised in 2024 when he was named in the Dream Team, before earning a move to the NRL.

The prop signed with Canterbury Bulldogs with their general manager Gus Gould labelling him as “the best forward in Super League”, however, things haven’t worked out for the 29-year-old and he has been released without playing a game.

He had made one pre-season appearance before his release but otherwise featured in the reserve grade comp, however, he’s expected to sign with a rival Super League team for 2025 before joining Hull KR from 2026 on a three-year deal.

It’s a major piece of recruitment from the Robins and comes in the light of confirmation that Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will retire at the end of the season.

Why Hull KR signed Tom Amone

Hull KR boss Willie Peters spoke with the media about the club signing Amone, a man who he labelled “one of the front-runners” in Super League, as well as “one of the best props”.

“We believe it’s going to be a significant signing for the club for 2026 and beyond,” Peters explained.

“Tom was one of the best front-runners in the competition over here. He was in the Super League Dream Team and he’s proven over here and I think that’s important.”

He also highlighted the importance of moving quickly in the market to find a replacement once it was confirmed that Waerea-Hargreaves was set to hang up the boots, something he confirmed happened in the airport during the Robins’ pre-season trip to Amsterdam.

Peters added: “Once we were aware around Jared and we needed to look for a new prop for 2026, I think it was important to know that we’re going to get someone that was proven.

“Some players can take time to settle into a new country, settle the family and then settle into the game itself. We wanted to get someone that could hit the ground running and Tom, playing over here before, he wanted to come back and he wanted to join our club. It just all added up for us.”

Willie Peters explains past relationship with new signing Tom Amone

Amone becomes a ROBIN 🔥

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— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) April 15, 2025

Amone’s availability certainly helped with the former Leigh man yet to debut for Canterbury, who themselves are also top of the ladder just like Hull KR.

When asked what it was that he wanted Tom Amone to bring to Craven Park in 2026, Peters’ answer was simple – just bring the Tom Amone of 2024.

The Australian coach explained: “He was one of the best props over here at the time. As I say, making that Super League Dream Team, the minutes he plays, he plays big minutes but what I’m looking for is a similar Tom Amone.”

Peters would also speak on his own relationship with Amone, revealing the pair’s relationship whilst at the Rabbitohs and what it is he expects the powerhouse prop will bring.

“I’ve known Tom for many years now, I work with him at the Rabbitohs,” Peters explained.

“We’ve got a really good relationship. We kept in contact when he was at Leigh and I’ve kept in contact with him when he went back to Australia.

“I know first hand what Tom sort of sacrificed of being over here and I know he will make similar sacrifices and I want him to be himself. That’s what I want. I want Tom Amone. He’s not a loud sort of guy. He just goes about his business. He doesn’t enjoy the limelight but certainly when he’s on the field he brings a lot.”