Halton catches eye of clubs Down Under

HULL KR have a fight on their hands to retain Frankie Halton after Rovers’ rising star recently caught the eye of an NRL club.

Halton, whose stunning ascent has been well-documented since his arrival at Sewell Group Craven Park, is understood to have gained admirers down under.

It’s the latest high in a stunning upwards trajectory for the backrower, who was playing the amateur game just four years ago. His rise through the ranks has seen him play for Swinton Lions, Featherstone Rovers and now KR.

Arriving this year, he has quickly emerged as one of the first names on the team sheet.

It’s understood Rovers were already proactive in their plans to retain the 26-year-old and had begun preparations to reward him with a new and improved deal.

Interest from Down Under will only heighten their attempts to secure him in the near future.

Despite having over a year left to run on his existing deal, NRL clubs have no restrictions imposed on them with regards to when they can approach players from Super League.

This year, Newcastle Knights have signed deals for Will Pryce and Kai Pearce-paul ahead of the 2024 season, despite both players being contracted to their respective clubs until November 30, 2023. Inevitably, the Ireland international will now become one of the club’s key priorities.

Recruitment is well down the track with Rhys Kennedy becoming their club’s first confirmed signing, while Tom Opacic and Sausao Sue were revealed as new additions by incoming head coach Willie Peters.

Wakefield Trinity back-rower James Batchelor has also been heavily linked with a move to the club.