What the Hull KR forward depth looks like after third key forward leaves

Hull KR have lost a third key forward from their treble-winning squad leaving questions over the club’s depth ahead of 2026 as they look to defend silverware.

After winning every available trophy in 2025, Hull KR have seen a number of key players leave the club with the most experienced pair being Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Micky McIlorum, both of whom were recruited ahead of 2025 with the sole purpose of adding experience of winning to the club.

They’ve now retired and are two of six forwards to leave with AJ Wallace, Leon Tennison, Eribe Doro, and now Kelepi Tanginoa also leaving to join Warrington Wolves.

Wallace and Tennison played no minutes for the Robins in Super League in 2025 whilst Doro made a handful of appearances, but Tanginoa was a key player throughout the season, particularly during the period when Rhyse Martin was injured.

With the former NRL and Wakefield man now leaving to sign for Warrington Wolves, we’ve looked at the depth of the Hull KR pack and what they possibly need for 2026.

Do Hull KR need another forward after Tanginoa exit?

With McIlorum leaving, it means just Jez Litten and Bill Leyland are the hooking options but Hull KR will be very happy with that, providing Litten stays fit. He was the standout nine in Super League last year and further raised his status with his Ashes performances.

At prop, they lose JWH but bring in Tom Amone whilst Jordan Dezaria has also been added on a three-year deal signifying that Jai Whitbread could be shifted to the second-row as a Tanginoa replacement.

The ex-Wakefield man played there at times in 2025 and he’ll be an option there again in ’26, as well as at his more natural role of prop. Dean Hadley, the club’s stalwart second-rower also covers both of those positions.

Hadley will be competing with James Batchelor and Rhyse Martin for the starting role there so allowing Tanginoa an early exit and freeing up some money likely makes sense for Hull KR, who will maybe look to add to their loose forward depth with no clear options behind captain Elliot Minchella.

Hull KR forwards and their contracts

Hookers: Bill Leyland (2028), Jez Litten (2029)

Props: Jack Brown, Sauaso Sue and Zach Fishwick (all 2026), Cobie Wainhouse and Sam Luckley (both 2027), Tom Amone and Jordan Dezaria (2028), Jai Whitbread (2029)

Second-row: Leon Ruan and Rhyse Martin (both 2026), Dean Hadley and Frankie Dearlove (both 2027), Tom Whitehead )(2028), James Batchelor (2029)

Loose forward: Elliot Minchella (2029)

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