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Super League side in “positive discussions” with off-contract veteran stars

Since the May 1st deadline when the list of retained and off-contract players was announced there’s been a frenzy of rumours and speculation surrounding player’s futures.

Those players who are off contract at the end of the season are free to negotiate with other clubs and that’s already led to some major rumours and moves.

Hull KR are one side who have plenty off contract and it’s been announced that the likes of Sam Wood, Ethan Ryan and Jimmy Keinhorst won’t be offered new deals.

That was confirmed by head coach Willie Peters last week, and he’s now provided an update on the situation regarding two of the Robins’ key veteran players.

Asked specifically about Kane Linnett and Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Peters offered an insight into negotiations.

“There’s ongoing discussions with both of those players so I’d say in the next week or two then we can give some more information to the fans.

“They’ve been positive discussions, really positive. The stage that they’re at in their career means they need to work out if they want to go another year.”

Linnett, aged 34, is shining in his fifth season with Rovers whilst 35-year-old SKD is in his third season in Hull.

Both men have had brilliant careers and Peters spoke about the need for them to have plenty of time to ensure the desire to play is still there, and how that impacted negotiations.

“There’s a lot of factors that go into that like pre-season, it’s not just how you play. There’s enjoyment as well, the level they’re playing at is a high high level so they’ve got to look at that.

“Also you’re a long time retired as well so it’s a decision that needs to be made slowly and they need to make sure it’s the right decision because once you’re retired and finished, you’re done.”

One man who has already announced he’s hanging the boots up after this season at Craven Park is Lachlan Coote who came in for great praise from Peters.

“He’s an exceptional leader, one of the most professional players I’ve been involved with.

“As a first year coach he’s been exceptional for me, as have all the senior players, but when he told me I wasn’t overly surprised but naturally when anyone who’s had the career he’s had then it’s an emotional time.

“They’ll go back to Australia at the end of the year but he’ll be all in up until then and giving everything. He’s injured at the moment and acting as a coach almost, I’m a big fan of player to player teaching because I think it’s a powerful way of getting your message across.”

Coote’s one of just a handful to have won Grand Finals in both hemispheres and Peters has talked up the chance and desire to send Coote back home with one more piece of silverware.

“There’s two trophies that we’re still going after and he leads the way in that, he’s a winner and hopefully we can send him out in the best way possible.”

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