The strongest Hull KR XIII for 2025 including four new signings

Hull KR have made several high-profile signings as they aim to go one better in Super League in the 2025 season and we’ve picked out their strongest possible XIII.

The Robins recorded their highest-ever Super League finish when placing second and they also made it to their first-ever Grand Final, losing 9-2 to Wigan Warriors at Old Trafford in October.

It marks the second successive season that Hull KR have lost in a final after narrowly losing the 2023 Challenge Cup Final in golden point thanks to a Lachlan Lam drop goal.

Whilst there is clear improvement at the club, coming so close to silverware for the first time since 1985 will have been agony. Having made a host of high-profile signings, could they end the drought this year – 40 years after their last major success?

To assess that, we’ve picked out the strongest possible thirteen that Willie Peters could name when his side takes the field in 2025 and it’s seen us drop some of the club’s best performers in 2024 – such is the depth at Craven Park now.

The strongest possible Hull KR XIII for 2025

Full-back: Niall Evalds

Full-back is an obvious option with Niall Evalds handed the number one shirt in 2025 after an impressive 2024 campaign with the club. Signed to play on the wing, Evalds quickly moved to full-back with Peta Hiku moving into the centres in a shift that saw the club vastly improve.

Wingers: Tom Davies and Joe Burgess

Ryan Hall has left Craven Park to return to Headingley but Hull KR have replaced him with another incredibly talented English winger. Tom Davies has signed from Catalans in one of the more understated signings this season. He’ll partner Joe Burgess who scored 18 tries in 2024 including a controversial one in the play-off semi-finals.

Centres: Peta Hiku and Jack Broadbent

Peta Hiku was one of the best centres in the competition last year, arguably just behind Dream Team pair Jake Wardle and Nene Macdonald. He should be electric again for Hull KR but who his playing partner will be in interesting. Oliver Gildart has a good relationship with Joe Burgess from their time at Wigan but mid-season signing Jack Broadbent was favoured in the Grand Final and could be the starter going forward.

Halves: Mikey Lewis and Tyrone May

There’s no need for debate here, particularly now that the off-season rumours about Tyrone May wanting out have been put to bed. Man of Steel Lewis will march Hull KR around the pitch wearing the number six shirt in 2025 whilst May will continue to serve as a brilliant partner.

Hooker: Micky McIlorum

Micky McIlorum serving as the more impactful starter with the youth of Jez Litten off the bench could be how Willie Peters plays it at dummy-half. McIlorum’s experience is second to none in Super League and that could earn him the nod, despite Litten being handed the number nine shirt.

Props: Sauaso Sue and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves

Sauaso Sue was an outside shout for the Dream Team last year and he’s now partnered with NRL legend JWH to make a formidable front two. The pair look likely to keep the likes of Jai Whitbread on the bench which highlights their quality.

Second-row: Rhyse Martin and James Batchelor

If Hull KR had a problem last year then it was goalkicking so it’s a good job that they’ve signed one of the best in the competition. Starting Martin would mean benching the workhorse Dean Hadley but Hadley could serve as a replacement prop for senior duo Sue and JWH. James Batchelor will partner with Martin instead of Kelepi Tanginoa.

Loose forward: Elliot Minchella

The Hull KR captain will round out the team after earning Dream Team honours in 2024. Capable of playing with the ball in hand as well as doing the physical side of the game, Minchella is among the best in his position.