The new arrival has opened up on initial chats with Willie Peters ahead of his move to Hull KR.
Hull KR’s latest signing Tom Whitehead (right) spent time on loan at Salford Red Devils from Warrington Wolves in 2025. SWPix.
Tom Whitehead admits his first conversation with Willie Peters was enough to convince him to take a chance and leave Warrington Wolves for Hull KR ahead of the 2026 Super League season.
The 23-year-old has joined the treble champions on a three-year deal, bringing an end to a near-decade association with Warrington. Ready for a new challenge, Whitehead believes the move could make him “twice the player”.
“Midway through the season, I heard Hull KR were interested when my agent spoke to me. He told me there was an opportunity, and it went from there,” Whitehead said.
“I spoke to Willie for the first time over the phone. He asked me what I thought about myself as a player, what I could bring to the team, my strengths, weaknesses and what I’m working on.
“Straight away, I could tell that he’s got a certain standard and I really respected it. I want to push myself to get to that level, so I really bought into it and it’s been really good.”
Whitehead made his Super League debut in 2022 for the Wire, and also featured on loan at Salford Red Devils last season for a combined 15 top-flight appearances to date in his young career so far.
The Saddleworth Rangers junior rose through the ranks at Warrington, earning rave reviews during his development, including from England legend and Wolves head coach Sam Burgess.
“It was a tough decision, I’d been at Warrington since I was 14 so I had that connection with the club. But I thought I needed a change, I needed to be a bit selfish in that regard and I needed a fresh environment,” the forward continued.
“Hull KR is a great club, and I thought it was a massive opportunity I couldn’t let slip by. And for my development at this stage in my career, it’s going to make me twice the player. It was tough to leave, but I’m happy with my decision.
“I didn’t know at the time that they’d win the treble obviously, but I knew the club was going in a good direction and they made the Grand Final the year before. It’s somewhere I want to spend the next three years, build my game and hopefully win some more trophies along the way.”
The Robins commenced pre-season preparations towards the end of November, with a fresh approach following the appointments of Ian Watson and Luke Gale as assistant coaches, replacing Danny Ward and Shaun Kenny-Dowall.
Whitehead is one of eight new signings at Sewell Group Craven Park, and the Oldham native is relishing his new environment.
“Pre-season has been good, it’s been tough,” Whitehead said.
“The change has been nice, the lads have been great and it’s been good. I’m enjoying learning every day, and the new challenges it’s bringing.”