Ex-Hull FC centre Kieran Buchanan relishing hometown return as Hull KR targeted

Former Hull FC player Kieran Buchanan has found a home at Batley Bulldogs. Two years after leaving the MKM Stadium, the 24-year-old will return to his hometown on Friday evening as he takes on Hull KR in the Challenge Cup.

Becoming a key cog in Batley's wheel, Buchanan has made 63 appearances for the Bulldogs, scoring 18 tries. The Scottish international also has seen the rise of the West Yorkshire outfit, who came 80 minutes away from being promoted to the Super League last season, only to be beaten by Leigh in a valiant effort away from home.

This week will be a special occasion for the club, but for Buchanan personal reasons have added some extra spice to the contest at Craven Park. Expected to be watched by a large fanbase, the Hullensian was over the moon to be drawn against Rovers and is relishing the chance to play a high-stakes game in his City.

"I can't wait," Buchanan told Hull Live. "On a personal level, it's going to be special with all my family and friends coming, with it being my hometown. It will be great to play in front of the Hull KR fans at their stadium and our lads are relishing the chance.

"Over the past few years all we've heard is the underdog tag. It does annoy us because there are only so many games you can win before you can't keep getting that tag. We are used to it, but we will come firing. I hope everyone turns up."

Although his loyalties firmly lie on the west side of the River Hull, the centre is impressed with Rovers' start to life under Willie Peters. As whenever a Championship team takes on a Super League outfit, Batley will come to Craven Park with no fear, but Buchanan is intrigued to see how he will fare against some of the best outside backs in the competition.

"All the pressure is on Hull KR, they've been fantastic this season in Super League so it's a great test for us," added Buchanan. "Craig (Lingard) has said there's no pressure on us. We won't be changing the way we play. It's got us this far and he has said that in volumes.

"It would be huge to win. Everyone is writing us off, but it would be some news to beat Hull KR. Rovers are blessed for centres at the moment. Obviously, Corey Hall, Sam Wood, Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Tom Opacic. They are all great players and I can't wait to show what I can do against them and test myself."

Batley coach Craig Lingard will be leaving the Bulldogs at the end of 2023. He has linked up with Castleford Tigers in a dual role before moving full-time as Andy Last's assistant next year. A long time coming, Buchanan spoke for all his teammates when he declared Lingard deserves a crack at top-flight rugby league.

He added; "Craig is a great bloke. I know I was at FC, but I've established myself under him. He's a top bloke and deserves his chance at Castleford. He needs to be in Super League and hopefully, we can end this year on a high for him."