‘I can’t wait to get involved in the derby and touch up on my Hull dialect’ says Kennedy
FIRST SIGNING OF THE WILLIE PETERS ERA ON HIS PLANS FOR KR
HULL KR’S first signing of the Willie Peters era, Rhys Kennedy, has spoken about his move to the Robins in 2023.
The Brisbane Broncos prop has penned a two-year deal with the Robins and has outlined his ambitions following the move.
“Me and my partner are really excited,” said Kennedy.
“It’s going to be a big change for us, but we cannot wait to embrace the culture at Hull KR and get some more game time consistently over in Super League.
“I need some pointers on Hull. It’ll be my first time in the UK, my partner has been to Europe, and we can’t wait to experience and embrace it.
“The deal was reasonably quick. I know Willie Peters from my time at South Sydney Rabbithos, he was on the phone with me as soon as he got the gig, but the process went pretty smoothly. Willie gets to work really quick.
“I don’t know any of the Rovers players personally, but I know the Aussie lads who are currently playing.
“It’s a new challenge for me, and the main thing for me is playing some more football and playing each week.
“I want to cement a spot at Hull KR and keep developing my rugby, and the deal was very appealing.”
Kennedy also has some links to the City of Hull, as the New South Wales-born forward spoke about some of the parallels between him and the club.
“I’ve researched the Hull derby, and I can’t wait to get involved. I’m from the same town as Mick
Weyman, and we played for the same club, Moruya Sharks.
“He’s a great fella. I should speak to him about Hull KR to help me out. I was at Canberra Raiders with Josh Hodgson, and I couldn’t understand what he was saying. I’ll need to touch up on my Hull dialect.”
The new recruit admitted he’s been watching Rovers’ games since he knew he was joining and spoke about some of the players he is most looking forward to working with.
“Lachlan Coote has been good, but he’s just one name for sure.
“I’ve briefly spoken to Tom Opacic and Jesse Sue, and we are all looking forward to being around good people. That’s what Willie wants.
“I’d probably say due to my degree in sports science, I know how to look after my body more than most, but growing up in Australia, it’s always been rugby league.
“I just used to chase my brothers around constantly. One of them played 50 games in the NRL, so it’s great to continue our family name.”