Where Hull KR need to focus recruitment with glaring positions identified as 2026 squad depth and contracts assessed after latest signing

Hull KR might have just won the treble but they’ve got some work to do on their squad if they’re to defend those crowns with a number of key positions lacking depth. Following their latest player release, we’ve looked at the Robins’ squad depth, contract situations and their glaring positions of need.

It should first be noted that by no means has the Hull KR squad turned bad in the two to three weeks since their Grand Final win. They remain one of the favourites to lift silverware in 2026 but if their goal is to have sustained success and establish themselves as one of the elite clubs, then they need to make changes.

One of the changes is already ongoing but it’s a long process and that is the development of a strong academy system. The majority of the young players in Rovers’ squad are products of other clubs, including recent signing pair Cobie Wainhouse and Jack Charles who both crossed the city from Hull FC.

That change will take time and it’s meant that Hull KR have had to be very aggressive in the market, signing players, releasing players, and generally managing a cap that is close to maxed out as they try to nail down their star players.

The likes of Mikey Lewis, Jez Litten, Elliot Minchella and James Batchelor have all signed extended contracts with Hull KR protecting their key assets but it’s likely those new deals have all come at higher rates.

With the wages of their top players increasing, managing the rest of the squad becomes a juggling act and other avenues are looked at to find funds such as the early release of Eribe Doro to Bradford Bulls.

In light of Doro’s exit and the recent signings of Jack Charles and Jordan Dezaria, we’ve looked at where the club stand for the future.

Every Hull KR player’s contract status ahead of 2026

We’ve taken 31 senior players, all of whom have debuted for Hull KR or recently signed new deals to indicate they’re part of the club’s plans, and grouped them by position to assess where the club need more depth.

Full-backs: Arthur Mourgue and Declan Murphy (both 2028)

Full-back is one of the positions that looks short but given the versatility of Jack Broadbent, they’re probably quite happy. Declan Murphy has arrived from Salford and will learn from Arthur Mourgue and a key indicator the club are content is the fact they’ve just allowed Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e to sign with Catalans Dragons – another example of roster management from the club.

Wingers: Joe Burgess and Lee Kershaw (both 2026), Harvey Horne and Tom Davies (both 2027), Noah Booth (2028)

There are two clear starters and one rising star in this position group with Noah Booth impressing in his first year at Hull KR in 2025. Lee Kershaw is still out with an ACL injury and will miss much of the year so Harvey Horne is the only other depth so this is an area the Robins are somewhat thing at, especially looking ahead given Joe Burgess’ off-contract status.

Centres: Peta Hiku and Oliver Gildart (both 2026), Jack Broadbent and Louix Gorman (both 2027), Jumah Sambou (2028)

Hull KR may have the best centre group in Super League with three genuine starters and Louix Gorman as a very exciting young talent who showed his worth with London in 2025. They’ve also signed Jumah Sambou from Oldham on a long-term deal. Both Grand Final starters, Hiku and Gildart, are without deals beyond this year so that is a priority to sort.

Halves: Tyrone May (2027), Jack Charles (2029), Mikey Lewis (2030)

All of the Hull KR halves are contracted beyond the end of 2026 with new signing Charles and talisman Mikey Lewis contracted for a good while longer, but the lack of a fourth option here is worrying. Arthur Mourgue might be viewed as that player given his position versatility but you could argue that veteran campaigner such as Rowan Milnes or Danny Richardson, who have signed with Bradford and York respectively, may have been safer than Charles as the sole back-up.

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

Here is Hull KR’s main problem and it’s their depth at hooker. Jez Litten was the best in Super League in 2025 and he’s tied down long-term but after Micky McIlorum’s retirement and Lennie Ellis’ move to Sheffield, they’ve only got Bill Leyland behind him. Leyland is a fine player but his lack of Super League experience is worrying. The Robins would have likely hoped to add a veteran campaigner to this position group but so far, they’ve been unable to.

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

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has left but Hull KR’s prop depth remains strong with Amone the direct replacement for JWH. Jai Whitbread is contracted until 2029 whilst Hull FC signing Wainhouse is tied down until 2027. The signing of Dezaria to replace Doro means that the club remain with the same number of props as they have had in 2025.

Second-row: Kelepi Tanginoa, Leon Ruan and Rhyse Martin (all 2026), Dean Hadley (2027), James Batchelor (2029)

In Rhyse Martin, Dean Hadley and James Batchelor, Hull KR have three very strong players and they’ve also got Kelepi Tanginoa as a depth option. Leon Ruan has found game time hard to come by and one criticism of this position is the lack of youth, with all bar Batchelor and Ruan 31 or older.

Loose forward: Elliot Minchella (2029)

Another position with a lack of depth but an obvious starter who is contracted long-term. Outside of captain Elliot Minchella, Hull KR have no recognised loose forward. Dean Hadley can play the role and Jai Whitbread has too at times but the Robins would love to have a project player as a back-up here.

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