Stevo says mid-season signing is ‘one of the best’ in Super League history

Over the years we have seen some superb signings take place in the middle of a Super League season – whether that’s Stuart Fielden’s famous move from Bradford Bulls to Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos recruit of James Segeyaro, Paul Cooke’s controversial transfer to Hull KR from neighbours Hull FC or even Andrew Johns incredible arrival at Warrington Wolves.

In more recent seasons, mid-season transfers have become even more popular with Super League clubs constantly looking to recruit with injuries and suspensions often forcing their hand and leading them to step into the transfer market.

Jordan Abdull’s injury at Hull KR this season saw that happen again, with the Robins losing their key playmaker and deciding they needed a replacement – going in for half-back Brad Schnieder from Canberra Raiders on a short-term deal.

It was a move that for a short while got some headlines, but it was a move that went under the radar. Well not now, with Schneider leading Rovers to three wins in a row, two of which he kicked a winning golden point drop-goal in, with last week’s one-pointer against Wigan leading Willie Peters side into the Challenge Cup Final.

Speaking on his impact, former Sky Sports commentator Mike Stephenson believes that the 22-year-old half-back, who had only played 12 NRL games before heading to Craven Park, has to go down as one of the greatest mid-season signings in Super League history.

“It’s certainly one of the best buys that the Hull KR side have ever secured,” said Stevo. “You’ve got to search all over for the type of player that can just pull something out of the hat. And he’s done it, you know, like two weeks on the trot.

“I mean, it was a great effort. Ryan Hall pulled up, he didn’t play the game. And this Schneider, he will go down in history. And what happens, what happens if he wins at Wembley with a drop goal? He will be an immortal.”

Another player former Great Britain hooker Stevo had plenty to say on was Moses Mbye, St Helens signing the 29-year-old from St George Illawarra Dragons earlier this week.

Asked about his ability by Eddie Hemmings, Stevo said: Yeah, he’s a damn good player. They’ve signed someone who’s a utility player and they are very valuable.

“He can play hooker, he can play half-back and he’s often played at full-back. So it’s something that they needed and I think it’s a very, very good purchase.”