The half-backs Hull KR could sign to replace Jordan Abdull

The news of Jordan Abdull being confirmed as leaving Hull KR to link up with Catalans Dragons broke in early January creating shockwaves throughout Super League.

It was only in mid-2023 that the Robins chose to renew Abull’s contract as they extended his deal to tie him down until the end of the 2026 season, yet seven months later he finds himself out the door.

Of course, the clever answer to who Hull KR could sign to replace Jordan Abdull would be that they have already signed him, with Tyrone May’s arrival signifying that one of Abdull or playing partner Mikey Lewis would have their game time seriously dented.

Following Lewis’ brilliant performances for England, which was followed by a contract extension for the 22-year-old, the solution to balancing Hull KR’s three halves seemed to lie in moving Jordan Abull on or changing his position.

Abdull did play at loose forward for stints late on in the season but ultimately Rovers decided to keep their hometown hero and star recruit happy, sending Abdull packing to Perpignan.

One issue that it does present is that the Robins don’t have much in the means of cover if either May or Lewis went down injured. The sale of Rowan Milnes to Castleford Tigers and the end of Brad Schneider’s loan leaves Willie Peters without a strong back-up, something that a Super League challenger certainly needs.

With Jordan Abdull’s loan away it would seem likely that the club have some space in the salary cap to land themselves a new half-back. So who could the Robins land before the season starts?

Corey Johnson – Leeds Rhinos

Johnson might have made most of his Super League appearances at hooker but the 23-year-old is equally adept at playing in the number six role and could find himself leaving Headingley soon.

Much of the 2023 season saw him play behind Jarrod O’Connor who himself has now been usurped by England international Andy Ackers, pushing Johnson further down the pecking order.

As for the halves at Leeds, the club have signed former Man of Steel winner Brodie Croft and ex-Huddersfield Giants man Matt Frawley, whilst Jack Sinfield looks to be one of Rohan Smith’s favourites to call upon when needed.

Consequently, Johnson finds himself potentially at the exit door and a switch to Hull KR would see him become the primary back-up in the halves, and potentially the back-up hooker for the 2025 season.

That’s because current KR hooker Matt Parcell, who is out of contract at the end of 2024, previously spoke on the fact he could call time at the end of his contract. As such Johnson would step in as number two at hooker behind incumbent Jez Litten.

Cesar Rouge – Catalans Dragons

Another man who can play at both hooker and in the halves rounds off the list to potentially replace Jordan Abdull and it’s someone who is currently a teammate of the Englishman.

Catalans Dragons’ youngster Cesar Rouge could be on the shortlist for Rovers even if just on a loan deal, with the two clubs having come together on multiple occasions last year to make deals happen.

One of those deals included Rouge heading to Humberside for just one game with the Robins playing an incredibly young team against Wigan Warriors the week before the Challenge Cup Final.

Rouge was one of six players to debut for the Robins that night, albeit at hooker, and a return to Craven Park could be a savvy deal for both parties.

Similar to Johnson, his position versatility is a bonus and with Catalans having landed recruits Theo Fages, Jaydon Nikorima and of course, Jordan Abdull then playing time in the halves is not likely in Perpignan. He also is behind English hooker Micky McIlorum in the fight for the number nine shirt.