ROVERS WILL BE ROCK SOLID
Peacock puts faith in Vaivai – cousin of WWE legend Johnson
PROMOTED Hull KR are putting faith in the cousin of Hollywood star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as they look to re-establish themselves in Super League.
Rovers have signed USA international Junior Vaivai, who featured in last year’s World Cup and is related to the former wrestler.
Vaivai played in all three matches against Fiji, Italy and Papua New Guinea, scoring in the first.
The 28-year-old New Zealand-born centre has previously played in the NRL for Russell Crowe’s South Sydney Rabbitohs and Penrith Panthers.
Vaivai has been joined by vastly experienced forward Danny Tickle, who was released by relegated Leigh and has 400 Super League appearances from spells at Halifax, Wigan, Hull FC, Castleford and Widnes.
Rovers head of rugby Jamie Peacock said: “Junior is going to be a really strong acquisition for us.
“He mainly plays centre or wing but he’s got a bit of versatility as well.
“Brian McDermott said he was very good with his USA team. I spoke to Sam Burgess about him during the World Cup as well and he was also singing his praises.
“He’s a good player and we’ve done well to add him to our squad.” Peacock is familiar with the strengths of 34-yearold Tickle, who was an everpresent for Leigh in Super League last season. Peacock said: “All the times I’ve played against him or trained with him as part of an England camp, I’ve thought of him as a very good player. “He’s still got a lot to offer Hull KR with his experience, his rugby knowledge and also his goal-kicking, all of which could prove to be invaluable. “Danny’s more of a middle forward these days but he’s played a lot on the edge. He’s another who’s got plenty of experience and we need that.
“He’s done the battles in Super League and he was one of Leigh Centurions’ best players every week last year, so I’m delighted we’re bringing him in.
“Both players will really add to our squad.
“They’re both talented players in their own rights and they add to our depth, which is going to be a really key facet for us going forward through this season.”
Vaivai has signed a one-year contract with a further season’s option, while Tickle has penned a 12-month deal.