If Super League regulations do not change, Rovers may have to move on an overseas player in 2025 if Rhyse Martin signs.
If Hull Kingston Rovers are to sign Leeds Rhinos second-rower Rhyse Martin for 2025 as anticipated, they will have to move on an overseas quota player.
According to the current rules, they can only have eight players contracted for the upcoming season. Peta Hiku, Tom Opacic, Jesse Sue, Jai Whitbread, Kelepi Tanginoa, Tyrone May, and incoming Jared Waerea-Hargreaves make up the remaining seven. If there is a rule change that makes certain players become domestic players due to their citizenship and place of residence, Martin would not be considered a quota player; the Leeds player would be among those players. However, given the current situation, Rovers would have to sign an international player, so we evaluate the most likely candidates here.
Tom Opacic
If a deal is reached for Martin, Opacic seems to be the most likely player to be moving on to new pastures. The Australian has been playing centre field a lot lately and has provided second row cover. Rovers, however, have plenty of good centre options, as Peta Hiku and Oliver Gildart are scheduled to arrive in 2025. Despite having a contract that would keep him with Rovers until the end of the following season and receiving a lot of playing time since joining, he had to make do with playing as the 18th man in the team’s most recent game against the London Broncos.
Kelepi Tanginoa
It would be reasonable to assume that Tanginoa enters the discussion about who might be a strong candidate to advance given that he is a second rower. Additionally, the Australian hasn’t always performed to the calibre that the Rovers would have liked from him this season, according to remarks made by Hull KR coach Willie Peters in a recent interview. However, the former Wakefield Trinity player is a force to be reckoned with and is able to leave a big impression when he comes off the bench, as he did against London when he scored a late try.
Despite being 32 years old, the forward from Samoa has a great deal of experience in the NRL and continues to contribute significantly. He started well, scoring the first try as the team got off to a fast start, and Peters commended him for his contribution to the victory over the London Broncos. He also helped relieve some of the pressure on Rovers. His tenacious running style and impressive leg speed for his size qualify him to remain in the club.
Jai Whitbread
Jai Whitbread’s performance in the lead-up to Leeds’ away match was questioned, and Peters wanted him to put in a strong showing following his mistakes in the derby against Hull FC. In doing so, the Australian prop scored his first try for the team and put on his best performance of the year against Leeds. That was then followed up in the London game with yet another massive effort that caused damage to the opposition and produced impressive results. appears to still have a bright future at the club.
Leave a Reply