Hull KR signing Karl Lawton has spoken for the first time since his arrival at the club, detailing why he moved from the NRL and discussing how he’s fared so far with the club’s famously tough pre-season.
The Robins have been out in Tenerife for their warm-weather camp that it must be stressed is no holiday, something that was hammered home on day one when former champion boxer Tommy Coyle led the team in a session at 6:30 am.
Coyle has been part of the Robins warm weather camp in recent years but for new recruit Lawton, it was somewhat of a shock to the system.
Speaking on the club’s YouTube channel about how camp has gone, he said: “Boxing at half six in the morning is pretty tough. It’s always a bit of a shock that early but we’re not here to holiday, we’re here to rip in and make the most of this.”
Whilst he spoke on the tough work, he also admitted that the camp was a prime time for players to bond with each other, something that’s essential for new recruits such as himself.
Karl Lawton explains what he’ll bring to Hull KR
Lawton arrives from the North Queensland Cowboys and brings a wealth of NRL experience, over 100 games worth, and the 30-year-old explained why now was the right time to move to Hull KR.
The Australian said: “It was just a good opportunity that popped up and it’s been one of my goals in life to come over here and play Super League so it was too good to pass up.
“I told my family and we jumped on the opportunity.”
Like many Australian recruits, the weather was another shock to the system with Lawton explaining that there has been ’40 degrees celsius’ in difference between his former home and new one.
“The temperature was a big change but we’re getting used to it, the kids maybe not so much,” he explained, before talking about how exactly he’s found his time with the club so far.
“It’s been really good. The boys have been so good to me, steering me around the park and talking me through the plays.
“The coaching staff have been great sending me clips and videos with all the little improvements I need and how I can fit in with the team better. It’s been really detailed, and it’s been a really good fit.”
As for what he’ll bring, Lawton was clear: “I think experience, I’ve been around for a little bit now so I think I can bring some experience and knowledge. With my communication I can help and feed off the back of the young fellas because there’s a real good energy here.”
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