Is Wood ready to make cross-city switch to Hull?
ROBINS’ STAR TOLD HE CAN LOOK FOR A NEW CLUB
HULL KR coach Willie Peters has confirmed Sam Wood has been told he can search elsewhere for a contract next season and will be leaving the club this year.
The 25-year-old, who joined the Robins from Huddersfield Giants ahead of the 2022 season, has made 28 appearances for the club.
So far this campaign, Wood has played six times under Peters, scoring three tries, including an important brace in round two away at Salford.
However, his time at Craven Park is coming to an end after being told his services will no longer be needed once his contract expires in East Hull.
Wood becomes the second player in recent weeks looking for a new home, with the Mail revealing Ethan Ryan has been given the same news his contract will not be renewed.
Heavily linked with a move across the river to join Hull FC, Castleford have also been credited with interest in Wood, but it’s thought that Tony Smith’s men are the front runners for his capture.
When asked about the current situation, Peters was honest when speaking about Wood’s future.
Peters said; “Sam and I have had some open chats.
“We both agreed it’s best he moves on to new opportunities.
“He is looking at new opportunities. Sam is a very good player, and he will be for the rest of the season. I can’t guarantee Sam Wood he will be a starting centre.
“We had some honest chats, and I wish him all the best when that time comes.
“He’s working hard and will crack on per normal for us.
“He is still putting in a voice at training and will play a big part for the rest of the year. Ethan Ryan and Jimmy Keinhorst are also looking at other options, they will also be moving on.”
FC coach Smith is known to be a big admirer of Wood who he brought to the Robins as one of several new signings last year.
Given KR’S decision, that has seen Smith enquire about a reunion with Wood now that the transfer market is open.
Players off-contract at the end of the season are free to negotiate deals with rival clubs from May 1, and
Wood falls into that category.
Smith used Wood heavily throughout the early stages of 2022 missing just the one game before the player dislocated his knee.
Wood, standing at 6ft 3in, is capable of playing in both the winger and centre positions, offering Smith’s Hull side some utility value whilst also getting a chance to take a starting jersey.
A durable player, he has made over 120 career appearances to date after debuting with Huddersfield back in 2016.
That includes dual reg and loan spells at Oldham, Workington, Halifax, Batley and Dewsbury.
Castleford have also been credited with interest in Wood, but it’s thought that Hull are the front runners for his capture.
Wood is the latest name Hull FC have been linked with after Smith addressed speculation regarding a move for Hull KR captain Shaun Kenny-dowall.
The Black and Whites are also known to be interested in Huddersfield prop Owen Trout.