Hull KR land major coup as New Zealand international signs up
Hull Kingston Rovers have completed a deal for Peta Hiku, Hull Live understands. The Robins are understood to have secured the coup signing of the New Zealand international, who played every game for the Kiwis during the recent Rugby League World Cup.
A regular in the NRL this season for North Queensland Cowboys, Hiku is thought to have signed a long-term contract with Rovers in what is a firm statement of intent heading into 2024. The 30-year-old has made 188 NRL appearances, scoring 58 tries in the process.
Despite interest from clubs on both sides of the globe, it is Rovers who have acquired his services in their latest successful recruitment move, having also overcome competitors in the battle for England international Oliver Gildart.
Willie Peters is set to entrust Hiku with the task of replacing Lachlan Coote, who will retire at the end of the season. Despite playing the majority of his career at centre, Peters has recruited him with the view of playing fullback. It is a position Hiku has always favoured and has been keen to play more regularly for several years.
He has played in the position successfully at times during his career. During his maiden NRL season, he played in the role nine times for Manly, who reached the Grand Final that year. He played as fullback in their semi-final win that year. He is listed as playing in the position 19 times during his NRL career.
It is a bold move by Peters, but one he will ultimately back. His recruitment moves have been a success so far and he is believed to see Hiku as the perfect player for Rovers' style of play moving forward.
He has played in Super League previously, albeit briefly. In 2017 he had a short stint at Warrington Wolves and played 11 games, scoring ten tries. He then returned to the NRL.
It is the latest piece in the puzzle for Rovers, who are quickly closing in on completing their recruitment drive. The club has been active in resolving the futures of their current off-contract players, as well as those they're hoping to bring in. AJ Wallace has already been announced as a recruit for next year, with the back-rower to arrive from Championship outfit Bradford Bulls.
