Planning to end career at KR confirms Lunt

This is the limited-edition Giants shirt for the Leroy Cudjoe Testimonial. Supporters have been able to pre-order them and there are a small amount in stock at the stadium superstore. More orders are being taken before Monday. Prices are £45 for adults, £35 children and £25 for toddlers SHAUN LUNT plans to end his career at Hull KR - but not before re-establishing the club in Super League.

The former Huddersfield and Leeds hooker initially joined Rovers on loan during the 2015 season and quickly became a key member of the squad.

He was appointed captain following the club’s relegation and led Rovers back to Super League at the first attempt on his way to being crowned Championship player of the year.

Lunt is contracted to the Robins for the next two years and he hopes to sign his final contract with the club.

“I’m 30 now so I’m coming to the end of my career,” he said.

“But I’d like to play as long as I can and this is the club where I want to play. I love it at this club and my family loves it here. So as long as I’m playing, I’d love to stay at this club.”

Lunt became the first player to commit his future to Rovers after they lost their Super League place and he insisted he would have remained loyal to the club regardless of the outcome of last season.

“Being part of the team that got relegated I couldn’t move on and let other people take on the mess I’d left behind,” said Lunt.

“I felt indebted to the club to get them back up in Super League and was willing to stay whether we stayed in the Championship or not.

“For me, to get promoted was absolutely brilliant and is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

“The easy job is done and now we’ve got to stay in Super League.

“Leigh have just shown how hard it is to stay in Super League, and they were flying high early in the season.

“It just shows with this concept every minute matters.”

Sunday’s derby with Hull FC will act as a yardstick for a Rovers side that have to start all over again in Super League.

Despite losing a host of star names since relegation, Lunt believes Hull KR return to Super League with a stronger squad.

He said: “I think it is. We’ve not got the big names we had the year we were relegated - Albie (Albert Kelly), Campo (Terry Campese), Ken Sio but in terms of ability we’re in a really good position.”

After two stressful seasons, Lunt is keen to avoid drama in 2018.

“I just want to keep away from the Qualifiers so would take anywhere in that top eight,” he added.

“You look at Wakefield last year, they were awesome. They’ve not got massive names - no disrespect to them, they’ve got some fantastic players - but the best thing they’ve got is togetherness.

“It doesn’t matter if you’ve got the best squad in the world, if you’re not willing to work hard for each other you’ll end up getting relegated.

“What Wakey did last year was absolutely fantastic and we want to emulate them by finishing as high as possible.” ■■Super League sponsors Betfred have agreed a deal to become the title partner of the Championship and League 1 until 2019. They take over from Kingstone Press.