Warrington Wolves boss Sam Burgess insists Hull KR have been ‘extremely smart’ with their recruitment heading into the 2025 Super League campaign. The Robins reached the Grand Final last year, knocking Warrington out of the play-offs on the way and they have recruited heavily as they look to take the next step.
Willie Peters’ side have brought in nine new faces and they enter the new season with a bolstered pack and a squad that is certainly deeper than the one they finished off the 2024 campaign with. Rhyse Martin is one of the standout names, while Micky McIlorum and Tom Davies have joined the group from Catalans Dragons.
Youngsters Bill Leyland, Leon Ruan and Eribe Doro have signed with an eye to the future, and Lee Kershaw and Danny Richardson, who is currently on loan at Huddersfield Giants provide strength in depth. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is by far the most high profile addition to the Rovers camp, though, with the former New Zealand international making the switch from the NRL to Craven Park on a one-year deal.
He’ll make his Super League debut this evening when Hull KR host Castleford Tigers and he’s certainly a man Burgess knows well having played against him on numerous occasions down under.
“They’ve had a very active off-season,” Burgess said about the Robins on Sky Sports. “They’ve recruited extremely smartly and they’ve brought in some great strength and size and some great experience, none other than Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.
“He’s such a great physical presence and he’s been the leader of the Roosters pack for over a decade.
“We had a couple of great battles together and I’m actually glad I’m not doing it anymore because he’s such a big guy. He’ll add to their pack, he’ll add to their team and I think Willie Peters has been very smart and strategic in the off-season in how he’s recruited.”
Burgess’ Warrington will have to wait until May 23 for their first opportunity to exact revenge on the Robins for their play-off semi-final defeat back in October.
“It’s NOT happening buddy – I’ll take the bet!” 🤝
Listen to Tom Burgess’ bet for his older brother Sam Burgess… there’s nothing like sibling rivalry 😂 pic.twitter.com/eOH76ZxIfM
— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) February 13, 2025
