Toby King recently completed a loan deal from Warrington Wolves to the Huddersfield Giants in a bid to rejuvenate his career following a disappointing 2022.
The centre was involved in a swap deal with Huddersfield’s Jake Wardle last weekend as both Daryl Powell and Ian Watson looked to refresh their backline.
But, perhaps unknown to most people, King almost signed for Hull KR instead – last year – with his agent, Craig Harrison of Show Me The Money UK, revealing just why that move almost manifested with the rise of Tony Smith.
“It seemed the perfect marriage in heaven; Tony has revitalised the club, the club wasn’t looking to the future, but then there were 13 or 14 signings within a short period,” Harrison said on The Full Eighty Minutes podcast: Inside the Deal.
“A lot of people took a lot away from Tony in 2021 when there was Covid-19, but I thought the brand of rugby was a s good as I’ve seen them play.
“Players were emerging as stars, Mikey lewis, Jez Litten and then Shaun Kenny-Dowall came along.
“I know a couple of signings that they missed out on, Toby King I can say that now.
“The reason why Toby was talking about it was the sell of Hull KR – everyone was ringing me and saying ‘get me to KR.'”
Harrison also feels that something may have gone on behind the scenes with Smith and Hull KR chief executive Paul Lakin, with the former announcing his departure from Craven Park in April – a move which shocked the whole rugby league fraternity.
“There’s obviously been something of a personality clash between Tony and Paul Lakin (Rovers’ CEO),” Harrison continued.
“I will give a lot of respect for Neil Hudgell (Rovers’ owner), he is silent until he has to come in, so he’s the perfect person to work for.
“Paul Lakin was brought in on the back of a great relationship together with Tony, but some things need to stay behind closed doors.
“Paul has done a fantastic job at that club and the decision won’t have been taken lightly.”
Harrison believes that KR have cut their losses now due to the current good form of Toulouse Olympique, who themselves beat Rovers at the weekend.
“The pressure Toulouse are starting to put on the clubs, they are coming from beneath the ocean and they are coming closer.
“If they beat Wakefield at magic then it’s on – does Michael (Carter) then sit there or do something?
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