Josh Mcallister

Castleford Tigers head coach Ryan Carr has reportedly been stood down and suspended pending an investigation ahead of the Super League match against Hull KR, although no wrongdoing has been alleged. Despite the uncertainty, Hull KR coach Willie Peters says his team will maintain its focus on preparation and on controlling its own performance. Castleford sit 11th after winning seven of 21 matches, with several heavy defeats overshadowing notable victories over Wigan Warriors and St Helens.

Danny Richardson says he is ready to return to Super League after rebuilding his confidence during an eight-game loan spell with hometown club Widnes Vikings. The 29-year-old has endured four difficult years involving serious knee and foot injuries, inconsistent playing time and spells across six clubs. A strong performance against London Broncos reinforced his belief that he can still succeed as a Super League half-back, but he remains a free agent and wants a club where he can establish a long-term home.

Hull KR have handed academy players Alex Gorman and Theo Middlemas their first professional contracts after both impressed while training with Willie Peters’ first-team squad. The 17-year-olds have signed three-year deals running until at least the end of 2029 and will continue developing within the first-team environment. Gorman plays in the halves, while Middlemas operates in the middle and recently featured at loose forward. The move follows other academy developments, including Frankie Dearlove’s promotion and Harvey Horne’s short-term loan to Doncaster.

Hull KR forward Jordan Dezaria has earned a regular place in the reigning champions' matchday squad after making 10 appearances from the interchange bench during his debut season. Head coach Willie Peters praised the French international's improving defence and impact with the ball, including his first club try in the 34-20 derby win over Hull FC. Competition for places will increase when Tevita Pangai Junior completes his suspension and other players return, while Peters stressed that defensive standards must remain high despite injuries affecting the team's attacking cohesion.

Dean Hadley was cleared to play after a hamstring scare and helped Hull KR defeat Bradford Bulls 40–16 in Round 21 of the Super League. Head coach Willie Peters praised Hadley's defensive awareness and consistency, saying Hull KR are a tighter defensive team when he plays. Hull KR, currently fifth with a game in hand against Warrington Wolves, now turn their attention to an away fixture against Castleford Tigers.

Hull KR sit sixth on 24 points with a game in hand and have eight regular-season fixtures remaining, five of them at home. Their run-in includes visits from several lower-ranked sides but also difficult away games against Wigan Warriors and St Helens, while home matches against Warrington Wolves and others could strengthen their position. St Helens face the toughest schedule among the contenders after Paul Rowley's departure, whereas Warrington have a comparatively favourable set of fixtures. Leeds Rhinos, Wakefield Trinity and Wigan Warriors are well placed near the top, leaving four teams competing for the remaining three play-off spots.

Nathan Cayless will become Hull KR head coach at the end of the 2026 Super League season on a three-year contract, succeeding Willie Peters. Former New Zealand team-mate Robbie Hunter-Paul says Cayless's work ethic, patience, listening skills and leadership qualities make him well suited to the role, citing his captaincy of New Zealand's 2008 Rugby League World Cup-winning side. Cayless brings extensive playing experience, four NRL assistant-coaching roles and leadership of Parramatta's New South Wales Cup team, while Hull KR selected him from a global field of 15 candidates.

Sauaso Sue extended his contract with Hull KR for the 2027 Super League season, continuing his tenure after becoming a key figure since joining from Newcastle Knights. Sue expressed strong attachment to the club as he prepares to play under future head coach Nathan Cayless, who begins in 2027. Rhyse Martin will depart at the end of the season before retiring after the World Cup and moving into a football operations role with the PNG Chiefs. Several players, including Tevita Pangai Jr, Lee Kershaw and Zach Fishwick, remain off contract.

Hull KR secured their eighth straight derby win over Hull FC with a 26-12 victory at Magic Weekend, sealed by late tries from Jai Whitbread and Tyrone May after a tense 12-12 deadlock. Willie Peters' selection choices, including a reshaped bench and Ryan Hampshire at full-back, proved effective as key performances from Lewis, Whitbread and May helped turn the match. Jake Arthur impressed for Hull FC with a try, an assist and the player-of-the-match vote, while the ongoing duel between Mikey Lewis and Jed Cartwright added intensity. A crucial defensive chase from Lewis prevented a likely Zak Hardaker try, shifting momentum before KR finished strongly to extend their derby dominance.

Hull KR defeated Hull FC 26-12 at Magic Weekend with late tries securing the win. Player ratings highlighted standout performances from Jai Whitbread, Mikey Lewis, Jez Litten and Rhyse Martin, while Broadbent and Gildart received lower scores after missed opportunities. Several players returned from injury and contributed solid displays at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Hull KR face multiple selection concerns ahead of their Magic Weekend derby against Hull FC, with several players racing to prove fitness. Tevita Pangai Junior begins a six‑match suspension, while Dean Hadley, Tom Amone, Sam Luckley and Jez Litten deal with injuries. Willie Peters expects returns from Litten and Sauaso Sue, with Joe Burgess requiring late fitness checks. Cobie Wainhouse and Jordan Dezaria may be required to step up as the squad prepares for the high‑profile fixture in Liverpool.

Tevita Pangai Junior reflects on his short rugby union stint in France, where he sought guidance from Shaun Edwards and Lee Radford before deciding to return to rugby league with Hull KR. He describes challenges adapting to union, particularly lineouts and scrums, but values the learning experience. Now working with boxing champion Tommy Coyle and focusing on fitness and consistency, he aims to contribute strongly to Hull KR despite arriving underprepared. He is currently serving a six‑match ban for eye gouging, which the club may appeal.