What’s happened to the stars who left KR last year?
FROM CASTLEFORD TO PROPERTY DEVELOPING IT’S BEEN MIXED BAG
Last season saw Hull KR reach the semi-finals of Super League, with the campaign a huge success for the club, but like every year, changes have to be made, especially in a salary cap sport. It saw the end of the road at Rovers for several players, who have all gone onto a range of different callings since leaving the Robins.
Nine players left the club in 2021, and we take a look at what the former Robins are doing now.
Adam Quinlan
During his five years at the club, injuries overshadowed Quinlan’s time with the Robins, and he was let go at the end of 2021 in order to bring Lachlan Coote to Sewell Group Craven Park.
Quinlan now coaches local team Dapto Canaries, back home in Australia.
George Lawler
After playing over 100 games for the Robins during a seven-year stint, Lawler decided to turn down a new deal and head off to pastures new.
The utility forward chose to move to Castleford Tigers and has so far made 10 appearances for Lee Radford’s side.
As was the case during his time at Rovers, Lawler is being used in several roles, including at hooker and in the second-row.
Greg Minikin
Like Lawler, despite Rovers offering the centre a one-year extension, Minikin took up a new challenge with Warrington this year but is yet to make his debut for the Wolves after suffering an ACL injury in his final game for Rovers in 2021.
Joe Keyes
The half-back was always going to be low down on the pecking order with three other playmakers in front of him but always gave 100 per cent when he took to the field.
His cameo appearance in last year’s Magic Weekend victory over Leigh Centurions was a fitting send-off.
He now plays for Halifax and has become a key figure at The Shay.
Muizz Mustapha
The club had an agreement to make Mustapha’s deal permanent from Leeds Rhinos after a decent loan spell with the Robins in 2021, but nothing came to fruition.
Mustapha returned to Headingley and has made three appearances in 2022 for the Rhinos.
Owen Harrison
Limited appearances in the first team and lack of rugby due to Covid-19 saw Harrison sign for Championship club Dewsbury Rams.
However, he never made a single outing for the Rams and now works within the property development sector.
Anesu Mudoti
Mudoti left the club after failing to make a single appearance.
The young forward needed game time and has dropped down to League One, where he now plays for Keighley Cougars with former Robin Scott Murrell and is coached by Rhys Lovegrove.
Tom Whur
Tom Whur linked up with Rochdale Hornets in 2021 on loan alongside Rovers team-mate Will Tate and signed for the Manchester-based side ahead of the 2022 campaign. However, although there is no confirmation from the club, the forward has left Hull KR after seeing his future away from rugby league.
Nick Rawsthorne
Rawsthorne left Rovers in early 2021 after the club mutually terminated his contract.
He has now switched codes and plays for recently promoted Old Crossleyans RU, based in Rawsthorne’s hometown of Halifax.